1. The Institute of Employment Rights Update on equality law: are we catching up? 5 December 2007
The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights
Victoria Phillips, Head of Employment Rights, Thompsons Solicitors

2. Name change from
The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights To
The Equality and Human Rights Commission

3. Legacy Commissions:
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
Commission for Racial Equality (CRE)
Disability Rights Commission (DRC)

4. Discrimination strands
Age
Religion and belief
Disability
Gender
Race
Sexual orientation

5. Tension between
Individual complaints based model (funding for strategic litigation particularly in new areas where law uncertain) Vs
Enforcement and equality duties (resource intensive but more structural change)

6. Discrimination law review
Single equality duty – public sector
“Light touch equality check tool” – private sector
Two tier workforce
Public procurement

7. Challenges
Involving partners and champions in its work
Map of key workplace challenges
Using legal powers swiftly and efficiently
Promoting understanding of equality and human rights culture