Today, October 1st, marks the tenth anniversary since the Equality Act 2010 was introduced. Its aim was to strengthen and extend protections for minority groups and unify anti-discrimination laws in one place. But despite the progress, many people remain disadvantaged in Britain. The equality journey is far from over, particularly in the workplace.
The Equality Act 2010 has undoubtedly come a long way to overcome inequalities in the UK. The Act brought together over 116 separate pieces of legislation, providing clarity on all the protections British citizens can expect whether they are at work or in education, or accessing everyday services such as transport. It aims to protect everyone in Britain from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
“Nevetherless, despite significant progress, many people remain disadvantaged in Britain today and there is room for improvement,” acknowledges Caroline Waters OBE, Interim Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). “Whilst we know the journey is far from over, we’re proud of how far Britain has come to protect people from discrimination. From equal pay to same sex marriage, hard won rights have changed the way people can live their lives for the better and the Equality Act played an important role in cementing that progress.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR WORKPLACE EQUALITY?
So what’s next for equality in Britain, particularly regarding equality in the workplace? That’s the very subject of d&i Leaders’ next event, entitled Ten Years of The Equality Act 2010: Where next for Equality at Work? On 14 October 2020, Waters – along with expert panellists – will not only reflect on the positive changes brought by a decade of the Equality Act, but also discuss the future challenges and opportunities for equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The event aims to explore the following topics:
- How did equality legislation change the workplace?
- How can progressive employers ensure equality and diversity gains aren’t lost as we react to the pandemic?
- What opportunities are there for greater diversity and inclusion as we adjust to the ‘new normal’?
- From harassment at work to gender, ethnicity and disability pay gaps, what more can be done to tackle entrenched issues?
EXPERT SPEAKERS
Expert panellists joining Walters include:
- Paul McFarlane, Chambers & Partners Minority Lawyer of the Year 2019 and Partner, Capsticks
- Professor Sue Yeandle, Director, Centre for International Research on Care Labour and Equalities
- Pauline Miller, Head of Talent Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Lloyd’s
- Mark Lomas, Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, High Speed Two (HS2)
Throughout October, EHRC will also be marking the anniversary of the Equality Act by explaining some of the protections it provides and highlighting some landmark legal cases on its social channels. Follow the hashtag #EqualityAct10 to join in the conversation and find out more.
Click here for more details on the virtual event.
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