Equal opportunities and non harassment policy

About this document

Harassment, bullying, victimisation and discrimination are major work place problems causing distress and high staff turnover. Implementing a discrimination policy cannot completely prevent problems, but can make employees aware of the employer's and their own obligations, and the process for reporting incidents. This in turn should provide the employer with a greater degree of protection against claims of negligence in a tribunal case.

The policy covers every aspect of the employment process, from initial interviews through to dismissal. It addresses all types of discrimination and harassment including that related to age, religion, race, sex and disability.

This policy is suitable for all businesses, no matter how large or small.

Implementing this policy

Because workplace discrimination is such a serious matter, you should introduce a policy at the same time as, or as soon after, hiring your first employee. The policy should be incorporated into employment contracts by reference (as in Net Lawman contracts) in order to bind staff to the terms. You should then apply the policy consistently.

The law relating to this policy

This policy aids compliance with a number of pieces of legislation. These are:

• the Equal Pay Act 1970, 
• the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, 
• the Race Relations Act 1976, 
• the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, 
• the Employment Rights Act 1996, 
• the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, 
• the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, 
• the Equality Act 2010

Application and features

• Comprehensive guidance covering company policy and employee obligations
• Types of harassment spelled out with particular reference to sexual harassment and equal opportunities
• Helps protect you from tribunal claims arising from discrimination and sexual harassment
• Educates staff in best practice

Contents

• Full explanation of employee involvement both as employees and as representatives of the business
• Definition of discrimination
• Objectives of the policy
• Applicability to vacancy advertising
• Applicability to selection and recruitment
• Applicability to promotion and career development
• Disability discrimination explained in full
• Age discrimination explained in full
• Employee obligations
• Full explanation of sexual harassment