The UK is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural countries in the world. With the aim to protect and encourage this standard, the current Labour government is set to pass the draft ‘Equality (Race and Disability) Bill’ 2024.
This new legislation might seem like an extension of the existing Equality Act 2010. However, it may have a heavier focus on tackling systemic racism, whilst promoting equal opportunities across minority communities.
Compliance with this legislation could be mandatory for all employers. If your business is found to neglect the bill, you could face heavy consequences. Like, discrimination tribunal claims, unlimited compensation fines, and irrecoverable reputational damage.
In this guide, we’ll look at what the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill is, what it may include, and how to promote equal opportunities for minority groups within your company.
What is the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill?
The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill is an upcoming legislation that aims to improve equality in the UK for ethnic minorities and disabled people.
The current government are still working on its specific terms; however, the bills aims to:
- Provide full rights to equal pay for Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority people.
- Strengthen protections against dual discrimination.
- Root out other racial inequalities.
Labour also strives to reverse the Conservatives’ decision to downgrade the monitoring of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate.
It’s important to note that this bill is still being drafted. However, many of its concepts are already part of current employment law. Eliminating inequality and systemic racism within the workplace and beyond should be customary practice for all.
What will the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill include?
The Race Equality Act is set to address various societal issues impacting ethnic and minority groups. Unfortunately, many of which are found in the workplace, as well as the wider community. Let’s take a deeper look into the upcoming bill:
Using ‘dual discrimination’
Labour’s new bill hopes to manage what’s known as ‘dual discrimination’. This is when people face prejudicial treatment based on more than one protected characteristic that’s outlined under the Equality Act 2010.
For example, if a Black female employee wishes to raise a discrimination claim based on sex and race, it’ll class as a dual case rather than as two separate entities.
Publishing ethnic and disability pay gap reports
The Labour government is working hard to close the pay gaps relating to gender, ethnicity, and disability through the new bill. They also aim to permit equal pay comparisons across businesses where comparable work takes place.
Under the new bill, employers will be legally required to publish ethnicity and disability pay gaps. This is set to become a legal obligation for any business that hires more than 250 staff members.
Improving public services
The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill aims to improve public services within the UK; including the NHS, schools, councils, and the police. A great example of this is providing anti-racism training to the police. There’s also a higher concentration on recruitment, retention, and progression for Black and Asian employees.
The bill could also introduce curriculum reviews to ensure better diversity in schools. Teachers will receive special training on addressing racial stereotypes and disparities found in their classrooms and beyond.
Managing Windrush scandal
The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill will assist in monitoring and expediting compensation strategies for anyone affected by the Windrush scandal. The government also aims to relocate this out of the Home Office completely if necessary.
The new Windrush commissioner will stand as the local voice of all families unfairly caught up in the scandal. They hope to seek justice for those affected by the previous government policies on immigration.
Tackling systemic racism
Socio-economic events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have affected everyone – some more than others. The government aims to help those communities affected most; like Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities.
This includes striving towards eliminating systemic racism. Being inclusive and advocating for equality is high on the government’s agenda. They also hope to improve maternity support for Black and Asian women, including clinical training to better serve minority patients.
Get expert advice on the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill with Peninsula
Whilst multiculturalism is found in all pockets of the UK, it’s hard to ignore acts of institutional and systemic racism. As employers, it’s important to ensure your workplace promotes equality and justice for all ethnic groups and beyond.
Peninsula offers expert advice on complying with the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill. We also offer 24-hour HR advice – ready to keep your business compliant whilst protecting your progression and success.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with an HR consultant today.
