19 December 2011

The Lowdown on Equality and Diversity Law in the UK

By Ruth Williams


Equality and diversity legislation has been brought about in the UK to eliminate discrimination and promote equality, diversity and human rights as being important values in today's society. The aim of this legislation is to give individuals the opportunity to reach their potential without being knocked back by discrimination and prejudice.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an advocate for equality and human rights in the UK whose aim is to reduce inequality, strengthen interpersonal relations, promote and safeguard human rights, and eradicate discrimination.

Numerous services are available in the UK to inform and teach people regarding their rights and the implementation of the equality and diversity policies. Programs are internet or software based, presented by equality and human rights organisations, health and welfare groups, and other education establishments. Programs are prepared for one-on-one, group, and self-paced formats. The requirements of the equality and diversity legislation is the central premise of these programs, promoting equality and diversity in all aspects of society.

Within the workplace, equality and diversity legislation requires that inclusive practice is promoted amongst employees. These practices should include the following:

* Consideration must be extended for race equality to end unlawful discrimination, improve equality of opportunity, and promote better interpersonal interaction between people of different races.

* Consideration should be extended for disability equality to finish illegal discrimination, stop unfair treatment of people because of their impairment, improve equal opportunity between disabled people and others, be prepared to treat disabled people equally, promote positive attitudes toward disabled people. Employers also have a responsibility to ensure that the workplace is accessible to disabled individuals and that they can use the necessary equipment.

* Regard must be extended for gender equality to end illegal sex discrimination and unfair treatment, and promote equal opportunity between men and women.

* Regard must be extended to gender reassignment and sexual orientation to ensure individuals are not the target of prejudice by creating awareness through inclusive practice.

* Regard must be extended to age diversity to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities regardless of age.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is promoting and monitoring human rights with the aim of protecting, and creating equal opportunities across the nine "protected" characteristics - age, disability, gender, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status and pregnancy or maternity. In 2010, a report declares that the United Kingdom has made clear progress in dealing with the need to create equality and fairness, but there is still a long way to go. Their overall aim is to create a fairer Britain and eliminate discrimination by creating awareness and implementing equality and diversity policies.




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