Firms ‘should end discrimination to comply with employment law’

Posted 23/11/2009

An employment law expert has called on companies to ensure their anti-discrimination policies are sufficient in preparation for new legislative changes.

Peta Fluendy of the Employment Law Clinic has reminded bosses that the new Equality Bill is likely to give workers more opportunities to make compensation claims if they are being mistreated.

She highlighted the fact that employees who belong to more than one minority group will be able to make dual discrimination claims if, for example, they face harassment for being black and disabled.

Ms Fluendy therefore told This is Money that bosses should make preparations in order to avoid falling foul of the incoming employment law changes.

She said: “It seems wise to assume the Equality Bill will become law soon and get ready for it by making sure written policies are up to date.”

Earlier this month, minister for women and equality Harriet Harman vowed that the Equality Bill will also prevent female workers from being underpaid by making pay practices more transparent.