Equalities
REPORT 2006
Mainstreaming equality issues
The past twelve months have seen a stronger focus on conditions
of service as opposed to mainstream equality activities. I have
been on full time secondment working from the UNISON branch
office with my attention and efforts being directed to the intensive
work arising from Job Evaluation and Single Status allied to
the ongoing issues of Equal Pay and Pension changes.
This change in priority has meant we have been unable to re-establish
the Equalities Committee which was one of the priorities identified
in last years Annual Report.
Given the ongoing work-demands this aspiration is unlikely
to be pursued in the coming months although we will continue
to seek opinions and comments on appropriate issues through
other channels. In the coming months that consultation will
be fairly intensive as we try to develop responses to several
new pieces of legislation.
Paramount amongst these is the proposal to remove age discrimination.
This will impact on retirement opportunities, pension rights,
training and many other aspects of working conditions. Some
will gain, some will lose but it is our job to ensure procedures
and processes are fair to all and, wherever possible, provide
positive options for our members.
Running parallel to this legislation is the new Employment
Equality Duty Regulations which seek to eradicate discrimination
based on sexual orientation, religion or belief. At the time
of writing we have no indication on the council's intended approach
to the new regulations but, given past experience, I am in no
doubt we will seek more than they will offer.
This may seem pessimistic but when you bear in mind the continual
refusal to make the simple step of extending provisions such
as those included in the old District Council Policy on Domestic
Violence it should come as no surprise that I adopt such a cynical
attitude.
As I have stressed in previous Annual Reports I am more than
disappointed in our employer's half-hearted approach to equal
opportunity issues but I remain hopeful they will change their
attitude sooner rather than later.
It will be interesting to monitor their response to other new
legislation such as the new Gender Equality Act and the Work
and Families Act both of which should create a more employee
friendly environment.
Over past weeks we have worked on issues arising from the transfer
of staff to the new Council HQ particularly in relation to the
working environment for disabled workers and much remains to
be done in that area.
As in previous years the branch has actively participated in
conferences for self organised groups and I am pleased to report
our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group has now been
re-established. Unfortunately, there has been a distinct lack
of contact with those who had organised our Disabled Members
Self Organised Group. That will have to be addressed in the
coming months.
If the coming year proves as busy and diverse as the past 12
months it should be an interesting period for all of us (particularly
with the new Electoral system in May) but I am sure with the
support of Branch Officers and our resourceful office staff
we can face up to all the challenges.
Irene Stout
Equalities Officer
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