Jacqui Smith, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality said:
"Unfair discrimination in employment must not be tolerated. People should not be denied jobs, suffer victimisation or harassment, because of prejudice. It is also damaging for business as they deny themselves access to the widest pool of talent. A diverse workforce brings benefits – such as increased motivation, lower turnover of staff, and access to wider markets."
"This new legislation will establish minimum requirements in law so that people can no longer be denied jobs because of prejudice; so that harassment can be tackled promptly and effectively; and so that people have an equal chance of training and promotion, whatever their background."
The Regulations implement strands of the European Employment Directive. The Employment Directive outlaws discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability and age in employment and vocational training.
Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 implementing the Directive will come into force in October 2004 and new legislation outlawing discrimination on grounds of age by the end of 2006.
The Regulations apply to all businesses, whatever their size, and whether in the public or private sector. They apply to recruitment, terms and conditions, pay, promotion, transfers and dismissals.
They apply across England, Scotland and Wales; legislation outlawing discrimination on grounds of religion or belief has been in existence in Northern Ireland already. Separate Regulations outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientations are being introduced in Northern Ireland.
Acas has produced practical workplace guidance which offers good practice advice, including possible scenarios and FAQs.