UK LEGISLATION:

The Equal Pay Act 1970
Provides for women and men who are of equal value to be paid the same.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
It is unlawful to discriminate in employment, education and in the provision of goods and services on the grounds of sex. It also covers discrimination in employment against married people.

Public Sector Bodies now have a specific duty to promote gender equality. This will have a knock on effect in the Private Sector.

The Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999
It is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of gender reassignment in employment or training.

The Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Employment Act 2002
Give a range of rights to parents, these include the right to request flexible working and rights to maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave and/or pay.

The Part-time Workers Regulations 2000
It is unlawful for a part-time worker to be treated less favourably than a comparable full-time worker. This is covered in areas of pay, pensions, training, holidays, career breaks, sick pay, maternity and parental pay, promotion and redundancy.

The burden of proof lies on the employer. This means that rather than the employee proving there has been discrimination, the employer has to demonstrate that they have not violated the law.

USEFUL LINKS:

Equality Now!
International human rights organisation dedicated to action for the civil, political, economic and social rights of girls and women. Web: http://www.equalitynow.org/

Fawcett Society
Fawcett is campaigning for equality between women and men. Its vision is of a society in which women and men are equal partners in the home, at work and in public life. It campaigns for changes which will lead to improvements in women?s lives. Web: http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/

Gender and Education Association
The Gender and Education Association (GEA) represents those with feminist interests in gender and education. Web: www.genderandeducation.com

Women Living Under Muslim Laws
International Network that provides information, solidarity and support for all women whose lives are shaped, conditioned or governed by laws and customs said to derive from Islam. The Network aims to increase the autonomy of women by supporting the local struggles of women from within Muslim countries and communities and linking them with feminist and progressive groups at large; facilitating interaction, exchanges and contacts and providing information as well as a channel of communication. Web: http://www.wluml.org/

Women's National Commission
Official independent advisory body giving the views of women to the Government. It is the only organisation of its kind in the UK. It ensures that women's views are taken into account by the Government and are heard in public debate.
Web: http://www.thewnc.org.uk/

Feminist.com
Grassroots, interactive community by, for and about women. Aims to facilitate information-sharing among women and encourage mobilisation around political issues. Web: http://www.feminist.com/

"Future Female - A 21st Century Gender Perspective" - Women's National Commission/Future Foundation (2000)
This report represents an exciting mix of facts, trends and opinions on the dynamic agenda which is the future of women's lives. It sets the concerns and issues expressed by the Women's National Commission partner organisations in the context of wider social and economic trends. Web: http://www.thewnc.org.uk/

Get a public life! - Women & Equality Unit (DTI) 2003
During 2002 the Minister for Women led a national outreach campaign to encourage more women into public life. The Women and Equality Unit has put together a practical information guide, Get a (Public) Life! to help organising an event to encourage more women into public life. Web: www.womenandequalityunit.gov.uk

The content of this website is designed to provide general information only.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, it does not constitute legal or professional advice.