Pictured above: Lynn Ward, director of Pertemps Disability Consultancy, who spoke at the Equality Act seminar

Employers gathered at a West Midlands event to listen to expert advice on changes in discrimination law which could have a major impact on businesses and their employees.

Pertemps Disability Consultancy (PDC) - part of Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) - staged 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 having a HR or equality and diversity role.

The seminar was held at PPDG's Coventry centre in Smithford Way and included representatives from Jobcentre Plus, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Coventry City Council and SAMPAD among others.

Everyone agreed that the practical and expert advice given by discrimination expert Ann Johnson from HUSK Disability, Management and Training was most informative. Highlighted were last October's significant changes to the Equality Act bringing about additional legislation for all businesses

Speaking after the seminar, Craig Dickens, communities officer at Nuneaton and Bedworth Council, said: "It has been a really thought provoking event focusing on the need for employers to ensure they are up to speed with the implications of the Act. I thought it was both informative and excellently organised."

Clayton Shaw, operations manager for SAMPAD added: "Raising awareness of disability issues is important so full credit to Pertemps Disability Consultancy for inviting us and for their ongoing support."

Pertemps Disability Consultancy director Lynn Ward said she was delighted that so many key organisations had been represented and had provided some invaluable feedback.

Changes to the Act include:

Limitation on health related questions employers can now ask

The introduction of new employment tribunal powers which benefit the wider workforce

Transparency of pay scales

Fresh protection from discrimination arising from disability

The allowance of direct pay discrimination claims, particularly where there is no comparator

An extension to the protection from third party harassment

 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. For more information contact the team on 01527 592080 or email: interpreting@ppdg.co.uk

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, Learn direct 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.