I write to address media reports in the UK this week which have detracted from the important work we do. The Equality and Human Rights Commission was created by the UK Parliament to reduce discrimination and uphold rights. We do not tolerate bullying and harassment. Every day, we hold individuals, employers and public bodies, including the government, to account for how they comply with equality and human rights law. We hold ourselves to those same standards.
The Commission has a proud history of standing up for the rights of people with all protected characteristics. This includes funding legal cases that seek justice for women and trans people at work, tackling public bodies in order to protect disabled people’s rights, undertaking landmark investigations that fight racism against ethnic minorities, and arguing in Parliament to ensure that legislation does not reduce protections for people in Britain.
I cannot discuss any ongoing internal investigation. But, as is proper, we are following an independent, fair and confidential process, and I regret that information about this is now public.
While that process continues, we remain wholly committed to working with all our stakeholders, whom we value, and to continuing to build professional, respectful relationships to further uphold and protect equality and human rights across Britain.
Read our responses to media commentary about an internal investigation. |
