The Equality and Human Rights Commission has developed an Equality Act starter kit to help employers and service providers understand the essentials of the law. It assumes no prior knowledge and has been designed to ensure that users will find it practical and straightforward.
The Equality Act Starter Kit splits the Act into nine ‘bite-size’ modules, each taking a maximum of ten minutes to complete. Module 1: is entitled ‘What is the Equality Act and who does it apply to?’ Modules 2 to 5 apply to employing people and consists of an overview, day-to-day management of a team, new starters and leavers and flexible working and time off. Modules 6 to 9 apply to service providers, providing an overview, the day-to-day delivery of services, longer-term strategy and planning and positive action.
The EHRC recommends that users start with Module One, which provides an overview of the Act and explains some of the language found elsewhere in this resource. They can then either do each of the remaining Modules in sequence, or skip to the ones they think are most relevant to them. Those wishing to have more in-depth knowledge of the law are recommend to read the relevant Code on the website.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
