Pictured above: (l-r) Ann Tate, Vice Chancellor, The
University of Northampton and Vera Baird QC MP, Solicitor
General
Vera Baird QC MP, Solicitor General, visited The University of
Northampton on Thursday 25 March to talk to around 100 invited
students, staff and representatives from regional law firms and
local authorities, on the subject of the Single Equality Bill.
The Bill is currently going through Parliament and aims to bring
disability, sex, race and other grounds of discrimination into a
single piece of legislation.
Welcomed to the University by Ann Tate, Vice Chancellor, Mrs
Baird spoke on the key objectives of the Bill, the importance of
the challenges it is designed to address, and likely impacts of its
implementation across both the private and public sectors.
Amongst the highlights of this legislation, Mrs Baird noted the
Single Equality Bill would demonstrate a: "Commitment to a more
passionate and fairer society, offering real equality for
individuals."
She continued: "Everyone has a right to be treated fairly. A
successful society and economy can only be achieved through the
effective implementation of equality. If we go on as we currently
are, the gender pay gap will not be closed until 2085. Similarly,
prospects for employment equality between whites and ethnic
minorities will not be achieved until 2115."
Mrs Baird also made reference to the Child Poverty Bill; action
required to reduce socio-economic inequality; and current pay
differences of around 23% between men and women.
She added: "We think businesses of more than 150 employees
should declare gender pay differences between their employees.
Initially this will be voluntary. There is also a need to ban
outright secrecy clauses on pay so that people can take up their
rights in this area. We want to do this with the least bureaucracy,
and are optimistic businesses will take this on without having to
be forced to do so.
"'Positive action' will allow someone appointing an employee to
a new job, when faced with two equally-qualified and suitable
individuals, to choose the person from an underrepresented
group."
Melanie Crofts, Senior Lecturer in Law at The University of
Northampton, commented: "The Equality Bill looks to be a good thing
in terms of consolidating the legislation we already have. Some of
the audience questioned whether it could be strengthened in certain
areas, while others felt enforcement and compliance could prove
problematic.
"This was a great opportunity for students and staff at the
University to listen to and question someone of Vera's standing,
and we're delighted we also had a great variety of external
visitors in attendance."