GMB welcomes Equality Bill

27.04.09

Kamaljeet Jandu, GMB National Equality & Inclusion Officer today responded to the publication of the Equality Bill. He said, “GMB welcome the announcement of the Equality Bill today and GMB commends Harriet Harman, Minister for Equality for her resolve in navigating the Bill in the face opposition from the private sector and it’s advocates. All employers should have a legal obligation to have mandatary pay audits and allow for statuatary cover for equality experts to make fairness and justice a reality. Harriet ‘s work has only just begun. On equality the glass is only half full.

GMB is sure that the business community will shout the mantra of ‘no regulation’ and in particular claim that the economic climate is too fragile to impose equality measures on business. In response, many will question why the private sector didn’t deliver equal pay during the times of economic growth. Many will also contend that the UK workforce would not be enduring the economic hardship, job losses and repossions had there been greater regulation, transparency and responsibility on the private sector.

The private sector employ over three quarters of the nations workforce and preach the virtues of market forces. However, the market place has not delivered equal pay or taken voluntarily responsibility to address workplace segregation, unequal pay and other forms of discrimination. In these circumstances surely the Government is right to regulate, legislate and promote a fairer workplace and a just society.”