Council acts on gender equality
Tuesday 10th April 2007, 4:20AM BST.
Telford & Wrekin Council is poised to commit itself to a gender equality scheme – ensuring that men and women enjoy equal pay and job opportunities. The policy will also be extended to all borough schools.
This will mean governing bodies will have to come up with their own schemes by the end of the month.
It comes amid national concern that thousands of people are still suffering sexual discrimination despite changes in the law. The council cabinet is being urged to adopt a scheme at its meeting on April 16.
An officers’ report to cabinet says the council has a legal duty under the Equalities Act 2006 to publish a gender equality scheme by April 30. It requires the council to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women.
The law also covers the employment and training of transsexual people and further amendments will be made later this year to strengthen their protection.
The report says: “Policies and practices that seem neutral can often have a significantly different effect on men and women, contributing to gender inequality.”
The report says the action plan includes measures to ensure that “equality of opportunity is at the heart of our pay structures”.
The plan includes ways to avoid stereotypical views influencing career choices for young people.
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