Barbara Roche, the Minister responsible for equality co-ordination, today published new proposals to outlaw unfair discrimination at work on the grounds of sexual orientation, religion, and age.

Marking the start of an extensive consultation process with employers, employees and interest groups, the Government sets out its proposals to implement new anti-discrimination laws and amend current disability and race laws. The consultation exercise will last until the end of March 2002, with the Race Directive being implemented by July 2003. Legislation on religion will be in place by December 2003.

Launching the consultation exercise, Barbara Roche said, "Equality is an essential part of any civilised society and of a strong and successful Britain. This consultation is about recruiting and retaining the best person for the job, irrespective of their age, religion, sexual orientation, race or disability."

"Unfair discrimination is plainly wrong. It stops people realising their potential, and it stops business from using the skills and talents in their workforce to good effect. The best employers already know that good employment practices, based on equality and diversity, can give them a competitive edge."

Good News for businesses -
Employees cost on average £7000 to replace.

Welcoming the consultation, Sarah Best, CBI senior policy adviser said: "The Government's consultation on new equality legislation strikes a balance between providing protection for individuals from unfair discrimination and giving employers the flexibility they need to manage their workforce."

Unfair discrimination costs business hundreds of thousands of pounds each year and leads to stress and misery for many employees. An employee on an average wage costs business around £7,000 to replace in recruitment costs.

Want to have your say?

The consultation document "Towards Equality and Diversity" sets out the Government's proposals for taking forward the implementation of the EC Employment and Race Directives. The document can be downloaded from http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality.

Businesses and the public can contribute to the consultation process by sending responses should be sent to Towards Equality and Diversity, Consultation Unit, Area 1B, Castle View House, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2GJ. Alternatively you can download the response form from the DTI website at - and return it by email to equality.diversity@dti.gsi.gov.uk

The consultation process ends in March 2002.

Top