More than 40 voluntary and community sector organisations have been awarded a total of £1.4m to inform people about their rights, under a new law to tackle workplace discrimination.
The award winners include the Muslim Council of Britain, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and Stonewall. The Muslim Council of Britain received the single largest award for any organisation, with a grant of £250,000.
The money will fund a wide range of initiatives, from seminars and roadshows to guides and leaflets. These schemes will help businesses and individuals understand their new rights and responsibilities under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation and Religion or Belief) Regulations.
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Announcing the awards, deputy women and equality minister Jacqui Smith said: “No-one should be discriminated against because of their religion or belief, or their sexual orientation.
“It is unacceptable in modern Britain. I want to see fair and equal treatment for everyone – that is why I am delighted we are able to fund these schemes. They are an important step in helping us reach that goal.”
