Enforcing the Equality Act: the law and the role of the EHRC examined
31 October 2018
The Women and Equalities Committee begins its scrutiny of the Equality Act 2010.
- Watch Parliament TV: Enforcing the Equality Act: the law and the role of the EHRC
- Inquiry: Enforcing the Equality Act: the law and the role of the EHRC
- Women and Equalities Committee
Purpose of the act
The Act is designed to protect against discrimination on the grounds of protected characteristics including age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation, but MPs have heard over several other inquiries that individuals have difficulties in enforcing their rights under the legislation.
The Committee has also heard criticisms of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's (EHRC) enforcement powers and its use of those powers.
What we will explore
The session will explore:
- Known problems with enforcement
- Scope and clarity of the law
- The appropriate burden of enforcement
- Cost and remedies in discrimination claims
- EHRC's approach to enforcement and litigation
- Knowledge of rights and duties.
Witnesses
Wednesday 31 October 2018, The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
At 09.50am:
- Catherine Rayner, Chair, Discrimination Law Association and barrister
- Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society
- Karon Monaghan QC, barrister