Positive discrimination
Positive discrimination is generally unlawful in the UK. For example, an employer recruiting a person because he or she has a relevant protected characteristic rather than because he or she is the best candidate would be committing discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. It is also unlawful to set quotas to recruit or promote a specific number or proportion of people with a particular protected characteristic.
There are limited circumstances in which it is lawful to require a job applicant or worker to have a particular protected characteristic, for example where an occupational requirement applies. Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance gives the example of a women’s refuge requiring all members of staff to be women.
Positive discrimination, should be distinguished from positive action, which is lawful.
Black jobs matter: does the law curb positive action?
Employers looking to take strong action to boost diversity must be very mindful of the Equality Act 2010.
Union chief calls for positive discrimination for BAME women
A union boss in Wales has called for positive discrimination in favour of black and ethnic minority women applying for...
Police forces should ‘positively discriminate’ to boost diversity
Police forces should be allowed to positively discriminate in favour of those from minority ethnic backgrounds in order to become...
Eight ways to ensure diversity initiatives are fair
After a BBC radio presenter claimed he was sacked for being a white man, is positive discrimination a fair solution...
Practical ways to tackle diversity without positive action
The BBC made headlines recently with claims it was favouring candidates from certain minorities and age groups. But if diversity...
How employers can take positive action to increase workforce diversity
To what extent can employers take positive action in recruitment or promotion to increase workforce diversity? Ashok Kanani reviews the...
Should the UK introduce women-only shortlists for board positions?
The lack of women occupying top spots in UK business is in the spotlight again, as business secretary Vince Cable...
Equality Act: positive action and changes to discrimination law
The Equality Act aims to let employers use positive action to boost workforce diversity. Daniel Thomas examines that and other...
Imperial Tobacco’s new female chief hits out at positive discrimination for women
Imperial Tobacco’s new female chief has hit out at positive discrimination proposals to get more women into the boardroom.Alison Cooper,...
National Black Police Association chief calls for positive discrimination
National Black Police Association (NBPA) chief Ali Dizaei has called for positive discrimination to be introduced into the police force....
London mayor Boris Johnson rejects positive discrimination
London mayor Boris Johnson has ruled out the use of positive discrimination to increase the number of black and minority...
Equalities legislation: positive discrimination risks
Thomases Jefferson and Paine have a lot to answer for: it was they, in the late 18th century, who proclaimed...
First draft of Equality Bill could pave way for positive discrimination
Harriet Harman will unveil the first draft of the Equality Bill before Parliament today – potentially paving the way for...
Friday podcast: Carter and Carter is nationalised, the EC reviews UK information and consultation law, and how acceptable is positive discrimination?
HR news and analysis including: Newcastle College buys a major part of Carter & Carter from administrators the European Council...
Harman considers law change to allow positive discrimination
The government has refused to rule out a change in the law to allow employers to discriminate in favour of...
Entries are now open. But don’t delay – as the closing date for submissions will be Friday 03 July.
