In this round up of recent news we report on the EHRC consultation on draft Codes of Practice and Guidance, which will replace the existing codes when the Equality Bill becomes law and guidance published by the Government Equalities Office on the new public sector duty, to be introduced by the Equality Bill, to reduce socio-economic inequalities.

EHRC consultation on codes of practice and guidance on Equality Bill

The Equality Bill is currently being debated in the House of Commons. In expectation of the Bill being passed and coming into effect in October 2011, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission ("EHRC") has begun consulting on draft Codes of Practice and Guidance. 

There are three separate draft Codes of Practice currently under consultation - employment; equal pay; and services, public functions and associations. The consultation is open until 2 April 2010. There are also three draft non-statutory Guides under consultation – employment; services, public functions and associations; and education. Two versions of each Guide have been produced – one for those with rights and one for those with responsibilities under the Bill. The consultation on the draft Guides remains open until 16 April 2010

GEO publishes guidance on new public sector duties

The Government Equalities Office ("GEO") has published guidance on the new public sector duty to reduce socio-economic inequalities contained in the Equality Bill. Statutory guidance in relation to this is expected to be published at a later date. The GEO has also published a policy statement on the specific equality duties proposed by the government to support the general public sector equality duty contained in the Equality Bill. Draft Regulations setting out the specific duties are expected to be published once the Bill is passed by Parliament.
 

11 February 2010

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