Pictured above: Lynn Ward, of Pertemps Disability Consultancy which is staging a seminar to explain the new Equality Act to local businesses

Significant changes in discrimination law which could have a major impact on businesses and employees will come under the spotlight at a West Midlands event.

Pertemps Disability Consultancy - part of Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) - is staging the latest in a series of free events focusing on the introduction of the Equality Act 2010 and what it means for business owners, managers and staff with HR, equality and diversity roles.

Employers are invited to attend the seminar at which experts will share their views on the new Act, offering practical advice and information on its key requirements and implementation in the workplace.

The next event will take place on Friday, February 18, from 10am to 12.45pm at Pertemps People Development Group, 13-15 Smithford Way, Coventry, CV1 1FY. It is free to attend but places must be reserved by emailing mandi.geens@ppdg.co.uk. Registration will take place from 9.15am.

The Equality Act came into force on October 1 last year and includes a number of significant changes in discrimination law that will affect all employers.  Pertemps Disability Consultancy's Lynn Ward said: "The Equality Act brings together nine major pieces of anti-discrimination legislation, with an aim to strengthen and simplify the law to support progress towards equality.

"The provisions in the Equality Act provide more scope for individuals and groups of individuals to bring a claim against an employer. It is imperative that employers take positive action at this time and review their services, practices and policies, implementing any changes that need to be made to avoid potential discrimination cases being brought. 

"One of the most important things will be for employers to engage staff in this process and train them up so that they are aware of their rights and responsibilities and can work with the employer to ensure fair, equitable treatment for all. This is something that we can help with and would be happy to discuss any particular training and consultancy needs employers may have at our briefing event on December 3. For those employers unable to make this event, but who would like any advice, information or support, they can contact myself or Mandi Geens."

The new Equality Act:

• limits the circumstances when employers can ask health related questions

• introduces new employment tribunal powers to make recommendations which benefit the wider workforce

• rates of pay secrecy clauses are unenforceable

• includes a new protection from discrimination arising from disability, and indirect discrimination now covers disabled people

• allows a claim of direct pay discrimination to be made, even where no real person comparator can be found

• extends protection from third party harassment

Redditch-based Pertemps Disability Consultancy provides tailored, cost effective solutions to help employers meet their responsibilities across matters relating to disability and wider equality related issues. The company provides training, consultancy and BSL interpreting services, working on a national basis helping organisations improve their employment and service practices.

PPDG's team of experienced employment experts works alongside jobseekers and local employers to match the most suitable applicants to the jobs that are available. Support for customers includes advice on CVs, improving interview techniques, increasing confidence, access to training and much more.

PPDG's team of employment experts provide advice on benefits, confidence building, one-to-one support, CV and interview preparation as well as finding the right job or training course. In partnership with DWP, the Ministry of Justice and Jobcentre Plus, PPDG delivers a diverse range of employment and training initiatives including Flexible New Deal, Working Neighbourhoods Fund, Learndirect and many ESF funded programmes. More than 100,000 job seekers have been helped into sustained employment by the company since the projects began.  It has trained 130,000 people in vocational skills, and over 175,000 people have benefitted from professional information, advice and guidance services.