The Equality Bill has – exactly as scheduled – completed its committee stage in the House of Commons. There were relatively few changes made but two stand out:
- pregnancy discrimination is altered to refer to unfavourable rather than less favourable treatment
- a new clause is inserted providing for multiple discrimination – ie where someone is treated less favourably because they combine two protected characteristics
I don’t think either of these will have a huge impact. In particular the multiple discrimination clause is based on a misunderstanding of how comparisons work in direct discrimination – but don’t get me started, I can bore for England on that one.
The Government has also undertaken to look again at the provisions on disability conceding that they may not be ‘as clear’ as they should. This is code for ‘we’ve made a mistake and need to correct it’. We can expect amended provisions at report stage.
I still think that the Government has slipped up over positive action. The clauses currently drafted will not work in practice and in some respects are actually narrower than the current rules. Surely someoen will notice this as the Bill progresses?
Next stage is Report in the Commons. No date set yet but it will be sometime in the Autumn as Parliament now breaks for the summer. The Bill is still on schedule – but its still very tight.
