New legislation to address workplace imbalances
A recent report by the Race for Opportunity (RFP) lobbying group, a national network of 180 organisations responsible for over 2 million employees, found that while 10% of the UK population comes from an ethnic minority just one in 15 were in a management position at the end of 2007.
According to Sandra Kerr, National Campaign Director of RFP, "The implication is that there may still be a colour bar to British management jobs 33 years after the passing of the landmark Race Relations Act of 1976."
Forthcoming legislation, however, has been designed to address this issue. Under the new Equality Bill, which was introduced to the House of Commons in the summer of last year as a replacement for more than 100 separate pieces of legislation covering race, age, disability and gender equality, employers will be able to take positive action to address workplace imbalances.
For example, if a particular group is under-represented, they will be able to take these factors into account when choosing between two equally qualified candidates.
They will also be able to fast-track or select recruits for management positions from under-represented groups, as long as they are equally suitable - but they will not be allowed to promote people purely on the basis of their race or gender.
For further advice please contact one of our employment experts.
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Judith Ellery Head of Employment
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