Confusion still prevalent over impact of Equality Act on employment law

Posted 30/09/2010

A new survey has suggested workers and employers are still confused over the impact of the Equality Act on employment law.

The legislation came into effect today (October 1st 2010) and replaces all existing discrimination laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

However, Personnel Today found that only 50.5 per cent of respondents were able to correctly answer a series of questions about the new law.

In particular, there was a deal of confusion about whether or not people who are discriminated against because of something others incorrectly believe about them – for example, that they are homosexual – would be able to make compensation claims.

A quarter said they thought not, when in fact the opposite is true.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of business owners think their company is not ready for the Equality Act.

The government hopes that the Equality Bill will pave the way for better treatment of disabled workers, as well as for the closure of the gender pay gap.