With the publication of “Framework for a Fairer Future”, the Government has set out the initial details of its plans for a major overhaul of equality legislation.
Created in piecemeal fashion over the past four decades or so, the current discrimination legislation is highly complex, fragmented and at times ambiguous. The new legislation is intended to simplify and streamline the existing laws, while also introducing a number of new features which will broaden the scope of current anti-discrimination regulations.
The new areas of discrimination which will be addressed include:
- Gender reassignment.
- Age discrimination.
- Sexual orientation.
- Religion or belief.
At this stage, it would appear that the elements of the proposed Equality Bill that will most affect employment law are:
- Proposed statutory support for positive discrimination in the workplace on the basis of gender and race.
- Pressing for a narrowing of the gender pay gap by banning confidentiality clauses prohibiting workers from disclosing their salaries to one another, among other measures.
- Wider recommendation powers for Employment Tribunals, through which they can recommend that an employer puts policies into practice which benefit the entire workforce, not just the employee bringing the complaint.
While the exact details of the Equality Bill are not yet known, there is every indication that it is going to be highly significant, with far-reaching implications for both employers and employees. As further details emerge, we will be sure to keep our readers informed.
Ashby Cohen are experienced UK solicitors who specialise solely in employment law. Working for both employers and employees, Ashby Cohen are perfectly placed to offer expert advice to anyone facing legal problems in the workplace. For more information, visit our contact page.
