Written question asked by Lord Bellingham (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 January 2004. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Monday, 5 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what research her Department has carried out into the preparedness of United Kingdom companies for the introduction of the Equal Treatment at Work Directive.

Answer: Mr. Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research her Department has carried out into the preparedness of United Kingdom companies for the introduction of the Equal Treatment at Work Directive. [142829] Ms Hewitt: Most of the provisions of the amended Equal Treatment Directive are already reflected in existing Great Britain legislation. There has already been some consultation on the principles of some of the legislative provisions of the amended Equal Treatment Directive, and we said then we planned further consultation and provided a target of late 2005 for implementation. The Employment Directive makes discrimination in employment and vocational training against an individual on the grounds of his or her religion or belief or sexual orientation unlawful. We have held three consultations since the Employment Directive was first drawn up. We have ensured where possible that the new legislation has been introduced in a way that is consistent with existing long-standing equality legislation. Since the summer DTI has held a series of awareness raising seminars for employers. ACAS has produced guidance to help employers on which they consulted widely and is available online at www.acas.org.uk

Secondary information