Public sector equality duty guidance published by Commission
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published guidance that explains what public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales have to do to comply with the public sector equality duty.
From 6 April 2011, when the public sector equality duty part of the Equality Act 2010 comes into force, public authorities will need to consider what they are doing to tackle discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
The new duty includes age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Public authorities are also expected to advance equality of opportunity as well as fostering good relations between different groups.
The range of non-statutory guidance comprises of: (i) The essential guide to the public sector equality duty; (ii) Equality analysis and the equality duty; (iii) Engagement and the equality duty; (iv) Equality objectives and the equality duty; (v) Equality information and the equality duty. The guidance can be found here or can be requested via The EHRC helpline for England 0845 604 6610.
Specific duty regulations for Welsh and Scottish public bodies are expected to be published by at a later date by their respective governments. EHRC Scotland and EHRC Wales are working closely with the Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly respectively to make non-statutory guidance available following receipt and publication of those regulations.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
