The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, today published the Government’s draft Queen's Speech in which he signalled a commitment to produce a Single Equality Bill, consult on extending the right to request flexible working for parents and reform the skills and apprenticeship system.
Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
‘We welcome the Government’s commitment to moving the vital debate on equality and fair treatment into the 21st century.
The big challenge will be to ensure that the Equality Bill is a fairness act - not just another equality act. It is about fair treatment for everyone, whether you are a person with a disability wanting to be treated equally, a parent tired of being constantly told ‘You’ve got children, so we don’t want you working here’, a young black man who wants to be given the chance to succeed or an elderly person wanting respect and dignity.
The current legislation, built up in a piecemeal fashion over 40 years, is now frankly unworkable and should be quietly laid to rest - a solution for a different era. We need simpler legislation that guarantees everyone’s right to achieve their potential and helps good employers recruit and get the best from the widest pool of talent. In today’s competitive, global, 24/7 world, fairness is a social good and a British value - but more than that, it is an economic necessity. Get this right and we have the chance to release Britain’s potential to compete on the world stage.
The Commission also looks forward to responding to the independent review of flexible working by Imelda Walsh and helping shape the debate about the future of our workplaces. There is no doubt that the right to request flexible working has made a real difference to working families across the UK.’
ENDS
For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170255, out of hours 07767272818.
Notes to editors
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.