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6 November
Delay of Single Equality Bill welcomed by Employers' Forum on Disability
The Government's decision to drop the Single Equality Bill from this year's Queen's Speech was today welcomed by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).
The Bill had been due to be read today, but has been pulled following green paper consultation.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the Bill has been delayed until the next Queen's Speech in November 2008.
EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker said: “EFD has previously called for the Single Equality Bill to be revised in detail.
“We therefore welcome the decision to delay it. EFD has shown concern, along with other organisations, that the Single Equality Bill in its current form weakens the public sector Disability Equality Duty.
“However, the Government must give sufficient time for disability organisations to respond to the Bill prior to its first reading in Parliament and EFD would welcome the opportunity to see a draft Bill before November 2008.
“The Government must use this opportunity to get this legislation absolutely right.”
Ends
Notes to editors
EFD would like the Single Equality Act to include:
- Equality tribunals with the power to make recommendations for employers to change practices and policies even when the employee is no longer employed by that employer.
- A provision for the Equality and Human Rights Commission to provide an effective conciliation service for goods, services and facilities cases.
- A Public Sector Duty on Equality extended to all strands that also provides scope for dealing with multiple disadvantage. It should keep the requirement to publish public equality schemes and should also explicitly apply to public procurement.
- Disability discrimination being unlawful on ships, planes, for volunteers and in the armed services.
- A definition of disability that is clear and easy for employers to follow.
- An extension of legal protection for those associated with or perceived to be a disabled person (i.e. carers, people working with people who have HIV)
Media enquiries, please contact:
Issy RulePR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers.
With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 25 per cent of the UK workforce.
Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.