Equality Bill to be implemented in October

Posted 04/07/2010

The Equality Bill which was passed in April 2010 is to be launched in the UK this October, the coalition government has said.

Home secretary Theresa May said the legislation will make it easier for companies to follow anti-discrimination policies, resulting in a fairer workplace for everyone.

However, despite Labour plans to force companies to disclose how much they pay male and female employees, the coalition said this will not go ahead.

“By making the law easier to understand, the Equality Act will help businesses treat staff fairly and meet the needs of a diverse customer base,” Ms May remarked.

It is hoped 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.

According to equal rights campaign group The Fawcett Society, women are currently paid 17.1 per cent less on average than their male counterparts in full-time employment.