EMBARGOED FOR 0001 3 JULY 2010
Provisions to make it easier for business to comply with
discrimination law will be introduced from October the Government
Equalities Office (GEO) confirmed today.
The Equality Act brings together nine separate pieces of
legislation into one single Act simplifying the law and reducing
the burden on business by making it easier for firms to comply
with discrimination law.
The first wave of implementation of the Equality Act will go
ahead to the planned October timetable following the publication
of the first commencement order in Parliament next week. This will
pave the way for the implementation of landmark provisions to
protect disabled people from discrimination and tackle the gender
pay gap.
Home Secretary and Minister for Women and
Equalities Theresa May said:
"By making the law easier to understand, the Equality
Act will help business treat staff fairly and meet the needs of a
diverse customer base. The law will be easier to understand and
better able to protect people from discrimination.
"Implementing the Equality Act to the planned timetable
makes clear our commitment to equality. A successful economy needs
the full participation of all its citizens and we are committed to
implementing the Act in the best way for business."
Along with these legislative measures the GEO will also look at
ways of achieving our equality aims without new legislation.
On Monday the GEO will publish, in conjunction with the British
Chambers of Commerce, the Equality and Diversity Forum and
Citizens Advice, summary guides to support implementation of the
Act. This will be followed by a series of ‘Quick Start’ guides to
key changes in the law. This simple guidance will set out clearly
what the new laws will mean for business, the public sector and
the voluntary sector, helping people to prepare and minimising the
effects of transition.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES Please contact the Government
Equalities Office press office on 020 7035 3253. Outside office
hours call 07500 816 959.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The summary guides will be made available on www.equalities.goc.uk from
Monday with the Quick Start Guides published on the site over the
coming months.
Contacts:
Government Equalities Office Press Office
Phone: 0207 035 7035
enquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk