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ARTICLE · 18 AUGUST 2010

Employment Update

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
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Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

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The survey we conducted on legislation highlighted a trait of human nature. It appears that once we get used to a piece of legislation then we become comfortable with it, whereas more recent legislation or forthcoming legislation creates a fear of the unknown or a dread of having to change policies and educate line managers on how to deal with new legislation.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
David Green
David Green

DAVID'S OPINION PIECE

The Equality Act - a missed opportunity?

The survey we conducted on legislation highlighted a trait of human nature. It appears that once we get used to a piece of legislation then we become comfortable with it, whereas more recent legislation or forthcoming legislation creates a fear of the unknown or a dread of having to change policies and educate line managers on how to deal with new legislation. This is an understandable human reaction but is that trait preventing real change?

The Equality Act is arguably an example of missed opportunity. It is a consolidating statute but it could have been so much more. Its upside is it brings consistency to discrimination legislation. It allows managers to build on known principles and policies – it was the safe and easy option. However, if you step back from the tried and tested and take people outside their comfort zone, then, in my view, there was an opportunity to take a radical change of

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