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October 2020


October news from the Equality and Human Rights Commission


How coronavirus has affected equality and human rights


Our new report warns that hard-won equality and human rights are at risk of going backwards in the wake of the pandemic. 'How coronavirus has affected equality and human rights' brings together the emerging evidence on the impact of coronavirus across key areas of life and highlights the hardship caused to people who already faced disadvantage.


The report identifies concerning backward trends for both young people and our social care system, and shows just how entrenched racial inequaity is in Britain. We make targeted recommendations for Government action to mitigate these emerging impacts.


Key concerns include:


The negative effect on people from different ethnic minorities: many have faced a perfect storm of being both more likely to die from the virus and more likely to experience financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.


Young people, having faced significant disruptions to their education, being at high risk of redundancy and now facing a future with reduced career options, are in danger of becoming a “lost generation”.


The impact of the pandemic on our social care system: not only has coronavirus disproportionately affected older people, some ethnic minority groups and disabled people living in care homes, but morale among care sector staff is low as workers face an increased risk from the virus, lack of recognition and staff shortages. As the country looks to “build back better”, we are calling for equality and human rights to be put at the heart of recovery strategies, so that long-standing concerns and deep rooted inequalities can be tackled once and for all.


Read the report [link removed]


Equality and human rights in residential care in England during coronavirus


We are deeply concerned by the devastating effect on older people and disabled people who are recipients of social care. The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on those who live in residential care and raised serious questions about the value we place on older and disabled people’s lives.


There is evidence that equality and human rights standards have not been upheld, including in key decisions about care home admissions, visits and access to critical care. We are also concerned about the impact on people who provide care, in both paid and unpaid roles.


In our briefing on equality and human rights in residential care, we outline the action that Government, care providers and regulators should take to prevent discrimination and uphold the human rights of those living in residential care.


Read the briefing [link removed]


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The Equality Act 2010 is clear; no one should face discrimination because of their race. Watch Ruby's story to find out how we supported Ruby and her parents to challenge discriminatory policies at her school.


Watch Ruby's story [link removed]


Our report into antisemitism in the Labour Party


Our investigation has identified serious failings by the Labour Party leadership in addressing antisemitism and an inadequate process for handling antisemitism complaints. Despite the Labour Party making a commitment to zero-tolerance on antisemitism, our investigation has highlighted multiple areas where it failed to tackle the issue and therefore failed its members and the Jewish community.


The Party is responsible for three breaches of the Equality Act (2010) relating to:


•            Political interference in antisemitism complaints


•            Failure to provide adequate training to those handling antisemitism complaints


•            Harassment


Our report states that the Party needs to instil a culture that encourages members to challenge inappropriate behaviour and to report antisemitism complaints.


We set out fair and achievable recommendations to help the Party make positive changes to its policies, processes and culture.


Find out more [link removed]


Coronavirus and the Public Sector Equality Duty


Under the Equality Act 2010, all public bodies and those delivering services on their behalf are bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty.This requires them to integrate consideration of equality and good relations into their day-to-day business.


The coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges for local governments and those providing public service. We know that the coronavirus has a disproportionate impact on particular communities and that it has exacerbated the existing structural disadvantages in our country.


As public organisations, our response to coronavirus must recognise these unequal impacts, ensuring that measures put in place now do not lead to an increase in discrimination and disadvantage in the years to come. To help public bodies and other organisations who are bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty, we have produced new guidance on how to implement the Duty throughout the pandemic response.


Read the guidance for England » [link removed]


Read the guidance for Scotland » [link removed]


Webinar: Challenging discrimination under the European Convention on Human Rights


On 10 November, Equality and Human Rights Scotland is bringing together an international panel to explore the use of Article 14 (Prohibition of Discrimination) in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.


In this seminar, we will draw on the expertise of The European Network of Equality Bodies’ (Equinet) Equality Law Working Group who recently conducted a year-long deep dive study reviewing Article 14 Judgments over a two-year period from the European Court of Human Rights, and a year of monitoring communicated cases.


This webinar will be of interest to students, lawyers and academics, as well as members of NGOs, Equality Bodies and National Human Rights Institutions. The discussions will also cover some of the practical aspects of intervening in the European Court of Human Rights.


Book your place » [link removed]


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Equality and Human Rights Commission
Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, EC4Y 8JX


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