UNISON gears up for equality duty
Gender equality is about improving the working lives of both men and women, delegates were reminded yesterday.
The gender equality duty, introduced in April , places a statutory duty on all public authorities to eliminate sex discrimination and promote equality.
Crucially, the code of practice on the duty refers to consultation with, and involvement of trade unions – identifying 13 employment priorities that are longstanding items on the equality bargaining agenda.
UNISON is in an ideal position to influence its implementation, since the union’s members can participate in the consultation process both as service users and service providers.
Sharon Foster of the national women’s conference told delegates: “You can use this duty to change your working lives for the better.”
Conference called on the NEC and other relevant bodies to:
- ensure that all branches and service groups are aware of the potential of the duty;
- make sure tall branches make use of the guidance and training available on taking part in the consultation process;
- work with regions to share best practice;
- lobby the government to ensure proper funding for the monitoring and enforcement of the duty.
The NEC’s June Nelson spoke of the breadth of the gender equality duty.
“It is not just about providing crèches and greater maternity leave, but issues that affect all members, both male and female,” she said.
“It could be used to open up job opportunities for both men and women, that will encourage more men into caring professions and more women into senior posts. It is about flexibility arrangements for men who are tired of the 24:7 culture, and a new opportunity to put in place strategies to close the gender pay gap.”
UNISON news.
http://www.unison.org.uk/index.asp
