equality act

Check HR Policies to Comply with Equality Act

September 24, 2010 News

Small businesses should review their employment policies to make sure they comply with the new Equality Act, when it is introduced on the 1st October Common Commencement Date (CCD). That’s the message from employment law experts, who are advising SMEs to get to grips with changes in discrimination regulations as a result of the new law. The Equality Act, being introduced as part of the 1 October CCD – one of two dates a year when new business regulations come into force – brings together all equality regulations into a single piece of legislation. Managing director of employment law firm Irenicon, Annabel Kaye, said that one of the other main changes is individuals will be able to claim under "associative discrimination" if they are associated with someone within any protected gr... »

Equality Act Reforms to go ahead in October

July 13, 2010 News

The Government has confirmed that it will go ahead with reforms to discrimination laws announced under the Labour Government, and introduce the Equality Act as planned this October. The Equality Act was passed during the Labour Government’s wash-up period, and brings together nine pieces of anti-discrimination legislation. Before the General Election, the now Minister for Women and Equalities and Home Secretary, Theresa May, cast doubt that the legislation would be introduced, saying that many of the amendments would be too costly. May has since said that implementing the Act to the planned timetable demonstrates the Government’s commitment to equality. “By making the law easier to understand, the Equality Act will help business treat staff fairly and meet the needs of a diverse cust... »