Commenting on today’s announcement by
Trade and Industry Minister Jacqui Smith that the government is to
set up an Equality Review that will inform new equality legislation
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'This is excellent news for every victim of
discrimination. Despite much determination by this government, trade
unions and the equality bodies we know that discrimination persists
in many areas of life, and particularly the jobs market. The pay gap
between men and women persists. The top levels of most organisations
are disproportionately white and male. Despite near full employment,
people with disabilities face big barriers into work and the pattern
of unemployment among ethnic groups reveals clear discrimination.
'It is absolutely right that the creation
of a new single body to promote equality and counter unfair
discrimination should be accompanied by a review of the law that
will underpin its work and a clear audit of inequality in Britain
today. The TUC has been calling for a single equality act for many
years - this announcement is a big milestone along the way.'
