Equality Bill events on the equality duty and on age discrimination

Outcomes

In September we held four Equality Bill public information and consultation events in Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London.  At each event attendees had the opportunity to hear Michael Foster DL MP talk about the Equality Bill and to ask questions of an equality panel.  In the afternoon sessions attendees took part in detailed discussions on the Equality Duty and on age discrimination.

Issues that were raised at these events included:

Positive action – attendees discussed how equality can mean more or better services for disadvantaged groups and whether positive action could be unfair on individual applicants in some circumstances.  The difference between positive action and positive discrimination was raised, and there was concern that the Bill should continue to protect racial minorities.

The Equality Duty - discussion focussed on the need for equality schemes and how the duty would affect the procurement process.  The need for good guidance on the specific duties was identified. 

Disability – there was discussion about the definition of who is a disabled person and concern that the existing protections for disabled people should be maintained by the Bill.

Harassment – There was concern about how the Bill will protect lesbian, gay and bisexual people from harassment.

Balancing of rights – attendees discussed how people’s religious rights can come into conflict with other rights - for example those of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people - and the need to strike a balance and avoid a hierarchy of rights.  There was also discussion about the financial rights of married people who obtain a gender recognition certificate.

The socio-economic duty - attendees wanted to know how the duty will affect housing.

Business – there was discussion about how the Government is tackling race discrimination, which some attendees felt is still an issue in the private sector.  There was also discussion about whether the gender pay publishing requirement should be extended to other equality issues and concern that headline figures might be too simplistic.  Some attendees felt there should be greater requirements on the private sector and there was concern that the Bill does not require equal pay audits.

Implementation - There were a number of questions about what guidance would support implementation of the new law and how the Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce it. 

Further information - please follow the link to the events website for more information and downloads from the events, including presentations: http://www.livegroup.co.uk/equalitybill/.