Equality, diversity and human rights >
Diversity and inclusion
The language of the Equality Act 2010 around gender reassignment discrimination can now seem outdated and raises questions over exactly who the Act covers. XpertHR senior employment law editor Susie Munro looks at the extent of the protection provided to employees who identify as non-binary or gender fluid.
Under the Equality Act 2010, an employer can escape liability for acts of discrimination committed by its staff where it has taken "all reasonable steps" to prevent the discrimination. What steps should employers take to reduce the risk of liability for bullying and harassment committed by their workforce in the course of employment?
XpertHR principal employment law editor Stephen Simpson argues that the blithe devaluing of equality, diversity and inclusion training by senior government figures fails to take account of the practical and legal benefits that such training brings for employers, especially if they are facing an employment tribunal.
Two recent high-profile rulings have something important to say about direct religion or belief discrimination. However, both deal with a controversial topic - how an employer should deal with an employee who does not accept its approach to trans rights - so it is easy to miss that lying behind the controversy an important legal principle is being fought over, says consultant editor Darren Newman.
UK employers have rushed to source Ukrainian talent displaced by war, keen to help them rebuild their lives, as well as access their skills in a tight labour market. Could this usher in a fairer future for all refugees, writes Mursal Hedayat?
Employers that are operating under a hybrid working model must ensure that their working arrangements are inclusive, including making reasonable adjustments to the model for disabled workers. We set out six examples of potential reasonable adjustments for hybrid workers.
A recent TV special highlighting the challenges of menopause showed the difficulties faced by many women around "brain fog" at work. Kathy Abernethy looks at how employers can support female employees to thrive through education and awareness.
For many people, properly understanding diversity and inclusion (D&I), and learning to navigate D&I issues in a business context, can be overwhelming. Stuart Affleck, Director at D&I consultants Brook Graham from Pinsent Masons Vario, looks at how "microlearning" can help staff retain their D&I training.
Most organisations would consider themselves open to increasing inclusion and belonging for all employees. However, too often diversity initiatives fail to focus on workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, explains Agata Nowakowska.
A House of Lords debate on the introduction of mandatory ethnicity pay reporting outlined why this issue needs a business case, not just a moral imperative. Ranjit Dhindsa, head of employment, pensions, immigration and compliance at Fieldfisher, examines the issues.
Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to diversity and inclusion.