The introduction of the new Equality Act consolidates and extends existing legislation dealing with age, disability (including mental health and obesity), race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships and pregnancy and maternity. It features seven types of discrimination including harassment, victimisation and direct and indirect discrimination.
Examples of key changes are that employers can no longer ask prospective employees about their heath before offering them work. In addition, employers cannot treat someone unfavourably because of something connected to a disability, such as poor spelling caused by dyslexia.
Harassment is an area of growing claims. In a survey of 3,000 female employees, the use of the word love was highlighted as unacceptable by over three quarters of respondents, as well as terms such as darling, babe, mate, dear and pet. 5% of employees felt so strongly that they officially complained and these terms are often cited in wrongful dismissal and sexual harassment claims.
Small businesses need to make sure they understand all the Act’s ramifications and have adequate insurance cover to protect them against claims.
To receive a competitive quotation for Commercial Legal Expenses and/or Employment Practices Liability Insurance contact Dean Fletcher or Tony Tolkin on 0113 250 0377.
