The new website that brings together the commission for human rights and the equality and diversity groups (equal ops, racial and disability commissions) is a very good source of information:
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/e...s/default.aspx
It includes clear guidelines and also links to other useful websites.
One of the things it points out is:
...In general, rights and equality laws regarding employment apply to all organisations that have employees. They do not only apply to how employers treat their current workforce: the rules apply to everything from how they recruit to how they treat former employees, such as pension-holders. Employers are also responsible for the actions of their staff.
and for small businesses it highlights:
Most small businesses cannot afford to turn away customers, and need the broadest market they can get. It is also valuable for small businesses to hang on to the staff in whom they have invested time and development, and that means making people feel valued, and perhaps making adjustments.
And if you're planning to compete for public sector contracts, you will need to demonstrate that you take equality seriously.
The three former equality commissions all prepared guides for small businesses:
Racial equality and the smaller business – a practical guide.
Disability and small business.
Gender and small businesses.
See their 'publications and resources' section for these.
You can find useful resources on the Acas website.
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?ar...0&detailid=547
kind regards
Stephanie
Hi,
Bringing together equality and human rights
