One of a new series of events in the North West

Wednesday 22nd October 2008
Adelphi Hotel,Liverpool

Sponsored by Unite North West Region and Thompsons Solicitors

While we have travelled a long way in terms of equalities legislation in recent years, the complexity of discrimination legislation still makes it very difficult to tackle the deep-set issues of inequality in the workplace.

In the past 10 years alone, we have upgraded maternity and paternity leave, introduced regulations on sexual orientation, age and religion and belief and focused on gender equality, disability and race equality duties. Yet women are still paid less than men, disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed and a ‘sticky floor’ exists for ethnic minorities in terms of advancement in the
workplace.

In June 2007 the Government unveiled its Green Paper Framework for Fairness on the future framework for a single equalities law. The stated aim of the consultation paper was to make equality law clearer by condensing nine pieces of legislation into one new law and to consult on whether there are significant gaps in protection that should be plugged. Honourable enough aims. So why was the Green Paper criticised by a range of experts?

What did the Green Paper propose and will those proposals impact on equality at work? Following the consultation and the critical responses received, will the forthcoming Equality Act – due to be announced in November 2008 – contain improved proposals for ensuring equality at work?

This conference aims to provide a critical look at the role of the new Equalities Commission, the equalities legislation and best practice solutions in the workplace. It will bring together some of the finest academics, trade unionists and legal practitioners, offering delegates in the North West an informed and sympathetic understanding of the latest developments in equality legislation.

Programme

• 10:30 Registration
• 10:50 Welcome from Chair
• 11:00 Pulling it all together: The Single Equality Act
  Prof Aileen McColgan, Kings College, London
• 11:25 Preventing sexual orientation discrimination
  Amanda Brown, NUT
• 11:50 Religious discrimination at work
  Dr Lucy Vickers, Oxford Brookes University
• 12:15 Questions

12.30 LUNCH

• 1:30 Fairness Not Favours: Bridging the Equality Gap
  John McGhee, Fire Brigades Union
• 1:55 Diversity or Discrimination? The question of age
  Sally Brett, TUC
• 2:20 The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights
  Vicky Philips, Thompsons Solicitors
• 2:45 Eradicating disability discrimination at work
  Caroline Gooding, Diversity Works For London
• 3.10 Tea and Coffee
• 3:25 Pay Equity: Are we winning
  Adam Crème, Head of Employment Rights, Unison
• 3:50 Questions and Discussion
• 4:15 Close

Who should attend

The conference will be of great interest to trade unionists, employment
lawyers, academics and students. It will be of particular interest to Equality
Officers needing up to the minute information on developments in case law.

How to book

To reserve your place, complete the form below and send your cheque,
made payable to IER, to Institute of Employment Rights, The People’s
Centre, 50-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD. Fax 0151 702 6935.

CPD, NPP and EPP accreditation

This conference counts for 5 credit hours under the Law Society’s
Continuing Development Scheme and the General Council of the Bar’s New
Practitioners’ Programme and Established Practitioners’ Programme.

Additional Information

Details of nearby hotels are available from the office. Name changes are
accepted up until the time of the event. Delegates who advise IER of their
cancellation more than 15 working days in advance will receive a credit
note with 10% deduction for administration.

How to get there

Train: Lime St Station (British Rail) and Central Station (Merseyrail) are a five minute walk away.
Bus: 500 from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to City Centre

Cost

IER subscribers and members £75.00
Trade unions £90.00
Commercial £220.00
The cost of the conference does not include lunch.

Register for this Seminar