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Equality Act Masterclass 14th July 2010

On the 14th July we held an Equality Act Masterclas with Beachcroft. 

  

The session covered: an overview, age related issues and developments in relation to religion and belief. 

 

Overview of the Equality Act: key issues for employers:

  • Protected characteristics and the scope of protection
  • Implications of the provision relating to "dual characteristics" claims
  • Disability provisions; the reversal of the Malcolm v Lewisham case law and the scope of the duty to make reasonable adjustments
  • Proposals to extend age protection in the provision of goods, facilities and services
  • The impact of public sector equality duties and requirements on procurement
  • Planning for the practicalities

  

Developments in relation to religion and belief

  • Thecontrasting cases of Eweida v British Airways and Ladele v Islington
  • The scope of ' belief' in the light of Grainger Plc v Nicholson
  • What difference does the Equality Act make?
  • Questions and case studies for debate

Over 80% of those attending the Equality Act Masterclass thought that it was interesting and useful, with over two thirds highlighting the content covered as thought provoking. The areas of main interest in the feedback included; the case studies, the detail of the act including key changes, case law, the practical steps for HR and with quite a few saying quite simple " All of it". Overall over 70% thought the session either met or exceeded their expectations..

The audience came from a wide range of industries, representing both Public and Private sector, they felt in practice the likely challenges to their organisations were; Age discrimination in terms of customer products, equal pay audits, reviewing  and updating existing policies, empowering managers to make the right judgments, Diversity training and meeting the tight timescales.

Our thanks go to everyone who attended the event and especially to Beachcroft.

 

If you are interested in attending future Equality Act Masterclasses please email gillian.appleby@efa.org.uk