Equality Act 2017 - Draft Code of Practice on Employment

Overview

The Equality Act 2017 (the Act) is one of the most important pieces of social legislation to be progressed in the Isle of Man in recent times. It seeks to ensure fair and equal treatment, in a way that allows social and economic inclusion in the community.

The Act consolidates and replaces earlier discrimination legislation. Principally, the Act covers discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. These groups are known in the Act as ‘protected characteristics’.

Discrimination in most areas of activity is now unlawful, subject to certain exceptions. These areas of activity include employment and other work-related situations; education; housing; the provision of services, the exercise of public functions and membership of associations.

The Council of Ministers have the statutory discretion to issue a Code of Practice in connection with any matter addressed in the Act, to ensure or facilitate compliance with the Act or to promote equality of opportunity.  This statutory Code of Practice on employment is the first of a number of Codes and Guidance documents that will be issued in relation to the Act.  It is an authoritative, comprehensive and technical guide to the law and will be invaluable to the Employment and Equality Tribunal and courts, advocates, advisers, trade union representatives, human resources personnel and others who need to understand the law in depth or to apply it in practice.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) as the statutory regulator for Great Britain issued a Code of Practice on Employment and Supplementary Code, pursuant to the powers contained in the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2017 essentially mirrors the Equality Act 2010 of Parliament, therefore this Code has used the EHRC Code as its basis, following consent received from the EHRC, with such modifications are as required to reflect local legislation and conditions.

The consultation of this Code has been broken down into chapters for ease. However,  if you prefer to view the full draft Code, this is available in the last question.

Why your views matter

The Act requires the Council of Ministers to publish its proposals.  This allows key stakeholders and members of the public the opportunity to comment and provide feedback so we can ensure that the Act will be interpreted and applied correctly.

What happens next

We will use the responses we receive to inform our work in developing the Code before the final version is submitted to Tynwald for approval.