UK: The EHRC have published draft Codes of Practice on the Equality Act 2010 (the “Act”)

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The UK Equality Act 2010 (the “Act”) covers all areas of equality and discrimination legislation.  The Codes of Practice (the “Codes”) are key to understanding the new obligations under the Act.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) has produced draft Codes of Practice (the “Codes”) in connection with the Act.

The Codes

The Codes cover Employment, Equal Pay and Services, Public Functions and Associations and their purpose is to explain the statutory provisions of the Act.

The Codes are designed to ensure that the Act is applied consistently by the courts and tribunals as well as making the Act accessible to a lay audience, including those who have rights and their representatives.  Therefore they are a good source of reference for HR Professionals.

The Codes are comprehensive and set out exactly what the legislation means, using case law to do so where appropriate.

The Codes were laid before Parliament on 12 October 2010 and as the requisite 40 days have now passed they may come into force at any time.

Resources

Draft Code of Practice on Employment

Draft Code of Practice on Equal Pay

Draft Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations

For further information or to discuss the issues raised, please contact Guy Abbiss (guy.abbiss@abbisscadres.com) Stephen Wright (stephen.wright@abbisscadres.com) on
+44 20 3051 5711.