Gender
People have the right not to be discriminated against because of their
gender. The PCT is committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a
working environment where it is the right of all staff to be treated
equally, with dignity and with respect. In addition there is legislation
that also protects against discrimination on the ground of gender.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (SDA) is the main piece of legislation
that makes it unlawful for women and men to be discriminated against because
of their sex. The SDA applies to employment; education and training; and the
provision of housing, goods, facilities and services.
This means that employers cannot discriminate on the ground of sex when
recruiting and promoting; in redundancy situations or dismissal; when
providing training opportunities; and when providing employment benefits.
The Equal Pay Act means that people should not be paid less then someone
of the opposite sex doing the same, or nearly the same, work in the same
organisation. It also applies to work of equal value to that done by a
colleague of the opposite sex in the same employment.
Transgender people are also protected by the Sex Discrimination (Gender
Reassignment) Regulations 1999. It is unlawful to discriminate on the ground
of gender reassignment in employment and vocational training.
Useful Links:
There are a number of organisations that can advise and provide help. You
may find the following hyperlinks helpful:
- Equal Opportunities Commission
The Equal Opportunities Commission is the leading agency working to
eliminate sex discrimination in 21st Century Britain. Their website
provides information about equality policies and campaign issues, as
well as advice, practical guidance and legal information. It has links
to a number of useful organisations.
- ACAS -
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, provides mediation in
employment and on good industrial relations.
- Community Legal Service
provides legal help and information in England and Wales.
- Employment Tribunals
are judicial bodies set up to resolve disputes over employment
rights.
- Muslim Women's Helpline
aims to provide any Muslim girl or woman in a crisis with a free,
confidential listening service and referral to Islamic consultants, plus
practical help and information where required.
- The National
Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB)
Advice Line gives basic information on your rights. It gives a broad
outline of where you stand and what you can do
- Parents at
Work
provides sources of information for working parents on employment
rights and helpful advice on childcare and flexible working.
- Pay Wizzard
This website allows workers to compare their pay with those of others
doing similar work, while providing visitors with information on
employment rights.
- Women
and Equality Unity
supports the Ministers for Women to develop policies relating to
gender equality and ensure that work on equality across Government as a
whole is co-ordinated.
-
International Women's week 2008
-
Department
for Trade and Industry
Information and advice about how to balance work and childcare
responsibilities to the benefit of employers, employees and their
children.
- Fathers Direct
is the UK's national information centre for fatherhood.
- Fawcett
Society
is a national voluntary organisation working to create greater
equality for women.
