13 Dec 2001
New Government proposals will outlaw unfair discrimination at work on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and age, Minister of State for Scotland George Foulkes said today.
Marking the start of an extensive consultation process with employers, employees and interest groups, the Government today sets out its proposals to implement new anti-discrimination laws and amend current disability and race laws.
Urging Scots employers and employees to respond to the consultation exercise, Mr Foulkes said:
"Today’s proposals are about fairness and ensuring that everybody is free to work without fear of discrimination. Equality is a fundamental part of any civilised society and of a strong and successful Britain. This consultation is not about political correctness, it is about opportunity for all and about recruiting and retaining the best person for the job, irrespective of their age, religion, sexual orientation, race or disability.
"Unfair discrimination is 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.
"We want to strike a fair balance between protection for individuals from unfair discrimination and giving employers the flexibility they need to manage their workforce.
"The proposals have been brought together after extensive discussion within Government and with the trade unions and employers’ organisations. I would urge all individuals and organisations with an interest to respond to the consultation by the end of March 2002 so that we can develop legislation which tackles unfair discrimination, without imposing unnecessary burdens on business."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. 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. [In it, the Government proposes amendments to the Race Relations and Disability Discrimination Acts in Great Britain, together with new legislation to outlaw discrimination at work on grounds of sexual orientation, religion and age]. It is available at www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality.
2. The consultation will last until the end of March 2002.
3. The Race Directive must be implemented by July 2003. New legislation on sexual orientation and religion will be in place by December 2003, and age legislation by December 2006. The Government proposes to implement the amendments to the DDA in October 2004.
4. 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 www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality - and return it by email to equality.diversity@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
5. George Foulkes is a member of the Cabinet Sub Committee responsible for developing the Government’s proposals for implementing the Article 13 Directive.