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Newsroom Archive 2006

Appointment of the first commissioners for the new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of state for Communities and Local Government, has announced the appointment of the first nine commissioners for the new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR). read more about the appointments here or visit the CEHR website www.cehr.org.uk.

Commission for Racial Equality Race Convention 2006

Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 November 2006
Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London SW1

This year the CRE - established to lead the fight against discrimination and to promote good race relations - celebrates its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the CRE is convening an international race convention - the first of its kind in the UK. It will be a landmark event with high profile speakers, up-to-the minute debate, practical workshops, a host of cultural activities and fantastic networking opportunities. For further information on the convention visit http://www.raceconvention2006.com/index.html or contact Laura Brownlee on 0207-324 4372 or email laura.brownlee@neilstewartassociates.co.uk

Download brochure

Engaging with Muslim Women - A Report from the Prime Minister's Event 10 May 2006

This is a feedback report of the ground breaking meeting that took place at 10 Downing Street on 10 May 2006, when the Prime Minister Tony Blair talked face to face to 40 Muslim mothers and grandmothers from across the UK about the issues affecting themselves, their families and their communities. The Report is being launched by the Minister for Women, Ruth Kelly, on 20 September 2006.

Download full report

Download press release

Government Action Plan: Implementing the Women and Work Commission recommendations

Ruth Kelly, Communities Secretary and Minister for Women launched the Government Action Plan: implementing the Women and Work Commission recommendations on 11 September 2006. The Action Plan sets out a range of practical measures that Government will take to address the gender pay and opportunities gap. Also, how we will work with employers and trade unions to change the culture of workplaces and improve opportunities for women. More

Trevor Phillips appointed as Chair of new Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has announced the appointment of Trevor Phillips as the Chair of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). Read more about the appointment.

Athena Project: Athena Survey of Science Engineering and Technology (ASSET) 2006

This is the third survey of Science Engineering and Technology looking into the barriers to women's progression in scientific careers. More

New Minister for Women

Ruth Kelly takes over as the new Minister for Women. She is the Secretary of State of the newly created Department for Communities and Local Government. "This Department has an exciting agenda; it touches everyone in the country to a greater or lesser degree. We are the Department of place, communities and citizen empowerment. "Our new responsibilities - including race, women, faith, community cohesion and equality - reinforce this challenging agenda". Ruth Kelly Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. More

Women and Work Commission Report

The Women and Work Commission Report "Shaping a Fairer Future" was presented to the Prime Minister by Baroness Prosser on 27 February 2006. The report sets out 40 practical recommendations to tackle job segregation and the gender pay gap which still exists despite 30 years of Equal Pay legislation. More

Civil partnership comes into force

The Civil Partnership Act has now come into force. The Act creates a new legal relationship of civil partnership, giving legal recognition to same-sex couples for the first time. For more information and how to register click here.

Examining the potential for women returners to work in areas of high occupational gender segregation

This is a review of the employment and earnings potential of women who return to employment after a period of caring for children or other family members. It includes analysis of the literature and statistical data on women’s employment histories, the kinds of jobs they do and what they are paid. It also looks at women’s qualifications and skills and the way in which their employment reflects their skills and explores employers attitudes to women returners and the training opportunities available to them.

Download full report (5.42MB)

Download Executive Summary (21.8KB)

Useful websites

The office has been recently established – so some of the pages may refer to the Women and Equality Unit. These pages will be updated shortly.