Speak up for the Public Sector Equality Duty

The Public Sector Equality Duty is a vital spark in getting public bodies to take equalities seriously - from stamping out sexism and racism, through to ensuring public services reach the most marginalised in society.

But it's under threat, with the government labelling it a bureaucratic burden.

Please sign the petition to save it.

The original race equality duty was put in place to tackle institutionalised racism in the police force, after its botched investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence twenty years ago. It was expanded under the Equality Act 2010 to cover all protected characteristics.

Despite its relative newness, the Government is currently reviewing it as a follow up to its 'red tape challenge'. We have every reason to be worried about it survival.

Yet as the TUC response to the review highlights, the duty is making society a fairer place. Unions have used it to: narrow the gender pay gap; secure more part time work to help women with caring responsibilities; ensure changes to a pension scheme didn't disadvantage those with potentially life threatening illnesses; help disabled workers secure adjustments in the workplace; and challenge the unfairness of cuts.

While the implementation of the equality duty has been mixed in many cases, that is an argument for improving it, not scrapping it.

Please sign the petition calling on the government to keep the Public Sector Equality Duty.

For more information see:

TUC response to the Public Sector Equality Duty Review

Touchstone blog: Now to save the Public Sector Equality Duty

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