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30 September 2021


September news from the Equality and Human Rights Commission


Updated evidence of progress on human rights


The UK is signed up to seven UN human rights treaties, which set the standard for human rights across the globe. Earlier this month we published updated evidence of action and progress on human rights by the UK and Welsh Governments.


Our Human Rights Tracker website's ‘Check on Progress’ tool [link removed] , individuals and organisations can see updated infomation on 11 new human rights topics including policing, human rights education, data collection and recording, and bullying and harassment in schools.


Launched in 2019 as Europe’s first tool to track and monitor human rights, HumanRightsTracker.com [link removed]  makes clear how the rights of people in Britain could be better protected by providing a succinct summary of key actions the UK and Welsh Governments have taken since 2016, and an assessment of the direction of progress in meeting international human rights standards.


Free training on the UN human rights framework and the Human Rights Tracker is available for organisations and networks. Email our human rights monitoring team [ mailto:[email protected] ] to find out more.


Visit the Human Rights Tracker [link removed]


Our new Chief Executive looks to the future


On 20 September Marcial Boo joined as our new Chief Executive. He's shared his thoughts on the Commission’s remit and its future priorities:


I’m honoured to lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission and excited to join as we consult you about our proposed activity for the next three years.


The Commission’s work over the last year has demonstrated how we uphold equality and human rights law without fear or favour. From our investigation into allegations of antisemitism in the Labour Party to our assessment of the Home Office’s compliance with Equality Law in relation to the Windrush scandal to challenging shocking racism at Pontins, our work has not only hit the headlines but had real impact on changing behaviour and practice.


We’re privileged in Britain to have strong equality and human rights laws. They are the result of decades, if not centuries, of struggle. People in too many other countries lack our protections. But laws are only strong if they are upheld and enforced.


Continue reading Marcial's blog [link removed]


Our strategic plan consultation - last chance to let us know what you think


The statutory consultation on our strategic plan proposals for 2022-2025 closes at 23.59 tonight. We want to hear from stakeholders, relevant organisations and people interested in our work in England, Scotland and Wales. You can let us know what you think of our proposals by completing our online survey. [link removed]


Have your say [link removed]


Scottish Qualifications Authority signs legal agreement to improve equality practice


The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has signed a legally binding agreement with us to improve its practices in relation to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The PSED requires all public bodies to give due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between different groups and we established that the SQA was not routinely assessing the impact of its policies and practices in these areas.


The agreement, signed under Section 23 of the Equality Act 2006, includes a commitment to complete outstanding Equality Impact Assessments for current policies and practices. The SQA has also agreed to improve its approach to carrying out assessments for any new policies it develops.


The agreement will be in place for two years and as part of this agreement the SQA will implement an agreed action plan and report to us on its progress. We will monitor the agreed actions to make sure they are completed and will carry out an evaluation at the end of the 2 years.


Find out more about our agreement with the SQA [link removed]


Deadline approaching: Gender Pay Gap reporting


The extended deadline for reporting Gender Pay Gap data is fast approaching, with all companies with 250 or more employees required to report their data by 5 October or face the possibility of legal action being taken against them.


Gender pay gap reporting was suspended last year due to the pandemic and the deadline for this year's reporting was extended by six months to give organisations more time to submit their data. We are responsible for enforcing the gender pay gap reporting requirements. As in previous years we will be aiming to reach 100% compliance by taking a coordinated, targeted and swift approach to enforcement.


Report gender pay gap data [link removed]


UK Government consults on making flexible working the default option


The UK Government has opened a public consultation on reforming flexible working regulations which would give every employee in Great Britain the right to request flexible working, regardless of time served. Individuals and businesses have until 11:45pm on 1 December 2021 to respond.


Flexible working opportunities can help to increase workplace equality, particularly for women and disabled people, and we have recommended that employees should be able to request the right to work flexibly from day one.


Commenting on the consultation, our Chairwoman Baroness Falkner said:


“We have long been highlighting the benefits of flexible working – from unlocking career opportunities for women, carers and disabled people, to helping employers attract and retain a more diverse workforce. Its benefits are clear, and the pandemic has proved that different forms of flexible working can work in practice to benefit both employer and employee.


“The Government’s consultation is a welcome first step towards flexible working becoming a default day one right, where possible.”


Respond to the consultation [link removed]


Revamp makes Old Trafford much more accessible for disabled fans


Manchester United football club has completed a major project to make its Old Trafford stadium much more accessible for disabled supporters. The revamp came after Manchester United were one of thirteen Premier League clubs criticised by us in 2017 for failing to provide minimum levels of access for disabled fans [link removed] .


The club consulted with its disabled supporters and with us on its improvements, which include an increased number of wheelchair positions and a new section for disabled supporters. Manchester United disabled supporters association has now described Old Trafford as the most accessible stadium in the UK.


Find out more [link removed]


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Equality and Human Rights Commission
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