New code of practice on racial equality

On 24 November the Commission for Racal Equality ("CRE") published its new statutory code of practice on racial equality in employment.

The code is a set of recommendations and guidance on how to avoid unlawful racial discrimination and harassment in employment. It outlines employers’ legal obligations under the Race Relations Act 1976 ("RRA") and reflects the considerable body of case law that has developed since then.

The code’s two main recommendations are that employers should:

• have an equal opportunities policy covering all aspects of employment from recruitment to dismissal; and

• draw up an equal opportunities plan, to put the policy into practice.

The code outlines the aims and scope of the equal opportunities policy and includes a sample policy. It also gives practical guidance on ethnic categories and methods of collecting information.