Employment Practice

Key points §   The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) was established under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to review the working of that Act (and the Equal Pay Act 1970), to work towards the elimination of discrimination in employment and other fields, and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women generally. §   The Commission may issue codes of practice containing practical guidance for employers and employees alike. It may conduct a formal investigation of an employer's activities if it has reason to suspect that he is contravening either the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 or the Equal Pay Act 1970. It may require an employer to produce documentary evidence of his employment policies and practices. §   The Code of Practice for the Elimination of Discrimination on the Grounds of Sex and Marriage, and the Promotion of Equality in Employment came into effect on 30 April 1985, and is available from the Stationery Office. The code gives guidance on steps to ...

Key points The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) which replaced the former Race Relations Board and the Community Relations Commission, was established by section 43 of the Race Relations Act 1976. The CRE has at least eight (but not more than 15) Commissioners, including a chairman and one or more deputy chairmen, all appointed on a full-time or part-time basis by the Secretary of State for Employment. The duties of the CRE are to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between different racial groups. It monitors observance of the 1976 Act and is empowered to conduct investigations, serve non- discrimination notices, and to apply to the court for an injunction or order against persistent offenders. The CRE may also issue codes of practice containing practical guidance on methods for the elimination of discrimination in the field of employment. Power of the CRE to obtain information The CRE...