TUC response to inquiry on Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the impact on people with protected characteristics

Unions have always played a vital role in ensuring that rights under the Equality Act are respected and upheld by way of collective bargaining, raising awareness of rights amongst employers and workers, assisting in resolution of disputes, providing support to members in pursuing claims to employment tribunals, as well as adopting strategic litigation to clarify legal issues and establish norms to be followed in the workplace. However, during the current crisis, unions are more important than ever in ensuring that working people’s safety, jobs and livelihoods are protected.

The TUC has a long history of campaigning to address discrimination in the British labour market, the workplace and in wider society.

We welcome the Committee’s timely inquiry into the impact of COVID 19 and the response to it on people with protected characteristics and the recognition that both immediate and longer term action is necessary to ensure that existing inequalities are not amplified or entrenched.

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