“My Government is committed to ensuring everyone has a fair chance in life. My Government will bring forward a Bill to promote equality, fight discrimination and introduce transparency in the workplace to help address the difference in pay between men and women.”
Promoting equality is essential for individuals to fulfil their potential, for the creation of a cohesive society and for a strong economy. A substantial body of equality legislation has been introduced over the last four decades, protecting millions of people from discrimination and promoting greater equality. But the legislation has become complex and hard to understand. The Equality Bill will simplify and strengthen the law.
The purpose of the Bill:
The Government is committed to creating a fair society with fair chances and fair rules for everyone. For a society to be fair we must tackle inequality and root out discrimination. The Bill will promote equality, fight discrimination in all its forms, including age discrimination, and introduce transparency in the workplace which is key to tackling the gender pay gap.
The main benefits of the Bill will be:
· The Bill will reduce nine major pieces of legislation, and around 100 statutory instruments into a single Act, making the law more accessible and easier to understand, so that everyone can be clear on their rights and responsibilities.
· The Bill will encourage a culture of equality, so that people from all backgrounds are able to make the most of their skills and talents
· This Bill will deliver much needed simplification and harmonisation of discrimination law, providing straightforward, practical guidance so that they can understand and comply with their responsibilities.
· The Bill will require public bodies to give due regard to the need to tackle discrimination and promote equality through their purchasing functions.
Related Documents:
The Equality Bill - Government Response to the Consultation, July 2008 [pdf]
A Framework for Fairness: Proposals for a Single Equality Bill for Great Britain, June 2007 [pdf]
Framework for a Fairer Future - the Equality Bill, June 2008 [pdf]
Devolution:
· The Bill will extend to England and Wales, and Scotland.
· A Legislative Consent Motion will be sought in relation to powers for Scottish Ministers to impose specific public sector duties on public bodies in Scotland and possibly in relation to other devolved matters.
· Similar powers will be provided for Welsh Ministers in relation to public bodies in Wales.
· Northern Ireland has a separate body of discrimination law and will consider whether and when to take forward parallel legislation.
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