Equal Opportunities UK

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Is every size of business in the UK required to have equal opportunities? Even a firm with say 5 people, or is at a requirement at a certain size?  Also, can anyone point me to the relevant guidance online where you get this information? I can't see to find it!

Thanks, and please don't think I am an employer looking to do the opposite, it is out of curiosity!

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By paul.benny
25th Sep 2020 12:58

This is of course an HR question, not an accounting one. But here goes

It's against the law for an employer to treat one person less favourably than another because of a personal characteristic such as age, race, gender, etc. Some guidance here :https://www.gov.uk/employer-preventing-discrimination. ACAS doubtless also have guidance.

The protected characteristics also apply to the provision of goods and services.

Documented policies and evidence that they are actually applied can help protect employers against discrimination claims. Tribunals will tend to have higher expectations of larger employers than small ones, but there are no thresholds where employers must do certain things. Large companies must publish gender pay information but there is no obligation to act on it.

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By Anonymous.
25th Sep 2020 16:54

Quote:

please don't think I am an employer looking to do the opposite, it is out of curiosity!

Then why post anonymously?

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By Paul Crowley
25th Sep 2020 19:01

Equal opportunities is not the same as not discriminating.
Do not believe at all in the former, seriously dislike the latter.
Equal opps means advertise EVERY post even if you know already who will be good.
I have never advertised.
Result in my firm
50% female (5 each)
50% me and my family, 50% others
Of the others 2 white British 3 others
English 2nd language for all 3 others
BUT not once did I advertise, so fail miserably at equal opportunities

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