Equality and Human Rights

Age Discrimination

From ist October 2006, all discrimination due to age will be unlawful.
This applies equally to young persons as to the over 60's.

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Equality Issues

The DTI Equality Direct is a FREE telephone advice service designed for employers and managers on issues relating
to sex, race, disability, age and sexual orientation.
Website: www.equalitydirect.org.uk
Tel: 0845 600 3444 - Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm

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Disability Discrimination Act 1995 

Traders  must now ensure that enough physical adjustments have been made to premises to create an accessible building for disabled people
Planning permission may be required

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Human Rights Act

An Employee received £1410 towards legal costs and £1000 for ‘hurt feelings’ after a Tribunal found an Employer was in breach
of the Human Rights Act and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act in monitoring the Employee’s calls

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Sex and Discrimination Act and Victimisation Claims

Once an employee has left, they cannot bring a race or sex claim.
Failing to give an ex-employee a reference after dismissal can bring a victimisation claim

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Age Discrimination

A new Government consultation on age discrimination proposes that employers’ mandatory retirement ages be abolished and possibly having a default retirement age of 70.
The Age Discrimination legislation must be implemented by the end of 2006

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Racial Discrimination

With regard to the Employment Tribunals, in July 2003, the burden of proof will shift for cases brought on the grounds of race.
Employers will, in the future, have to prove that they have not discriminated against the employee.
Employers are advised to keep careful records so that they have some proof of their intentions

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