Jacqui Smith, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality said:
"Unfair discrimination in employment must
not be tolerated. People should not be denied jobs, suffer
victimisation or harassment, because of prejudice. It is also
damaging for business as they deny themselves access to the widest
pool of talent. A diverse workforce brings benefits – such as
increased motivation, lower turnover of staff, and access to wider
markets."
"This new legislation will establish minimum
requirements in law so that people can no longer be denied jobs
because of prejudice; so that harassment can be tackled promptly
and effectively; and so that people have an equal chance of
training and promotion, whatever their background."
Details of the laws
The Regulations implement strands of the European Employment
Directive. The Employment Directive outlaws discrimination on
grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability and
age in employment and vocational training.
Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
implementing the Directive will come into force in October 2004 and
new legislation outlawing discrimination on grounds of age by the
end of 2006.
The Regulations apply to all businesses, whatever their size,
and whether in the public or private sector. They apply to
recruitment, terms and conditions, pay, promotion, transfers and
dismissals.
They apply across England, Scotland and Wales; legislation
outlawing discrimination on grounds of religion or belief has been
in existence in Northern Ireland already. Separate Regulations
outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientations are
being introduced in Northern Ireland.
Acas has produced practical workplace guidance which offers good
practice advice, including possible scenarios and FAQs.
