Addressing the gaps between equality law and good practice

A report published by the Equality and Diversity Forum, highlights that while England has one of the strongest platforms of anti-discrimination law in the world, there are gaps between legislation and good practice and what actually happens in the workplace.

A report by the Equality and Diversity Forum Workplace equality: turning policy into practice suggests that despite having some of the most far-reaching equality legislation in the world, the reality of day-to-day employment experiences in England is that these legislative rights are not being fully translated into practice. The report highlights the perspectives of a selection of employers, employees, employer organisations and, trade unions on the barriers to full realisation of workplace equality rights and possible new solutions to bridge the gap.

The report recommends that policy makers and public bodies increase the availability, accessibility and relevance of equality guidance, as well as ‘naming and shaming’ persistently non-compliant employers. It recommends that employers: (i)  establish a clear picture of their existing diversity strengths and weaknesses and unique workplace culture; (ii) build customised equality action plans that respond to any problems identified; and (iii) create their own bespoke business case setting out their commitment to diversity and the specific benefits of this commitment.