A group of equality experts, business leaders and union chiefs has been formed to advise ministers on how best to implement the new Equality Bill.
The group will meet monthly and provide advice to the Government Equalities Office (GEO) on the measures included in the Equality Bill and how to further streamline discrimination law.
Members include Katja Hall, the CBI’s director of employment policy Sian Thomas, director of NHS Employers and Sarah Veale, head of equality and employment rights at the TUC. Other members include senior figures from campaign groups, charities, religious bodies and think-tanks.
Jonathan Rees, director-general of the GEO, will chair the group. He said: “I am delighted that we are pulling together such a strong, diverse and committed group. The equality agenda is for everyone: individuals and society.
“It is also the foundation of a strong, prosperous, and modern economy, and even more important in the current economic position that we harness the abilities of all individuals, whatever their background.”
The Equality Bill will introduce new duties on employers, especially with regard to positive discrimination, openness on pay, and the monitoring of workforce diversity figures.
