Monday 11 May 2009

The Equalty Bill

The enormous and long awaited Equality Bill was published on 27th April 2009.

If and when it becomes law, it will replace the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, much of the Equality Act 2006, the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, and the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 (all as subsequently amended), plus other ancillary pieces of legislation.

Perhaps the most controversial proposal is allowing positive discrimination in favour of disadvantaged groups in certain circumstances, notably in recruitment and promotion if candidates are otherwise equally qualified.

This 'equally qualified' condition is so subjective I can see it providing bread and butter for lawyers for years to come if introduced.

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