Guidance on equality duty published

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published guidance that explains what public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales have to do to comply with the public sector equality duty.

From 6 April, when this part of the Equality Act 2010 comes into force, public authorities will need to consider what they are doing to tackle discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

The new duty covers the protected characteristics of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Public authorities are also expected to advance equality of opportunity as well as fostering good relations between different groups.

The Commission’s guidance on the public sector equality duty can be found on its website at: www.equalityhumanrights.com/ea2010.

A Code of Practice on the duty, which has more legal force, is due to be published later this year.