Breaking News- Gap between Rich & Poor!

In a little noticed White Paper on Social Mobility published last month, the Prime Minister has hinted that a new law will be introduced which will tell the public sector to consider “social class” as a factor equal to race, gender and disability when deciding how money, services and even jobs should be allocated. Specifically the White Paper itself suggests the government is minded to introduce:-

“ An over arching requirement on public authorities to address the inequalities people face associated with where they live, their family background or the job they do.

Developing the theme further, the White Paper says:-

 “The law would embed social class in the day to day work of public officials and civil servants making them consider the economic circumstances of individuals, groups and areas in the same way they currently consider sex and ethnicity. We have legislated to require public authorities to tackle the inequality that arises from race, gender or ethnicity, your sexual orientation or disability. Co-existing and interwoven with these specific inequalities lies the persistent inequality of social class.”

And last month, the Secretary of State for Equalities Harriet Harman confirmed that the promotion of equality will embrace the social class dimension. Speaking to the Fabians ,Ms Harman said:-

“. Social class considerations should be taken forward in the design and delivery of public policy .It should be a core function of key public services. The groundwork for how we might inform this approach is already being laid in the new National Equality Panel which I established last September with Professor John Hills as chair. The White Paper says we will consider legislation to lay a duty on the public sector to tackle inequality across the board, narrowing gaps in outcomes for people from different backgrounds. We will be consulting shortly on how we can achieve this. In these tough and painful economic times, we are giving people real help now and real hope for the future”

Informed commentators at Westminster are speculating that the Single Equality Bill going forward in this parliamentary session will be amended to include the social class dimension. This will have the effect of putting equality issues at the centre of the prevailing economic climate and near the top of the political agenda in the General Election. Watch this space!

It is also likely that public bodies will be invited in their responses to the consultation exercise to provide data and evidence arising from their existing equality schemes and impact assessment processes.

QED Training has been asked to provide their response to the consultation paper. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved in these feedback channels.  Just send an e mail to qed.training@ntlworld.com quoting this newsletter. We will be pleased to keep you posted.

NEW TASTER COURSES ON IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND EQUALITY & DIVERSITY ISSUES

With our partners Impact Training in Didsbury, we already provide training and consultancy services on every aspect of equality and diversity from both an employment and service delivery perspective. This includes impact assessment work and implementing single equality schemes. The forthcoming Single Equality Bill and indeed the possibility of “social class” impacts are covered within the training and other services we offer. We can now offer a new service for the new times ahead!

FIRST WEDNESDAY TASTER ARRANGEMENTS

Last week, QED and Impact had an “equality summit” and have decided to provide some half morning £99 taster courses throughout 2009. Initially, these will be held in Manchester but just like our new Mock Tribunal services will be extended nationwide. The Manchester taster courses will be held on the first Wednesday of every month in a city centre location close to all tram and train stations with good parking spaces also available. Get in touch for more details. The morning taster courses will include lunch and free consultation private surgeries in the afternoon on your own policies, impact assessment tools and single or other specific diversity strand action plans.

And talking of tasters!

This month we can offer you a free fact sheet on dietary protocols and other issues for a wide range of cultural groups in the community. The fact sheet includes cultural information about:-

• Mixing meat and milk
• Recitals before eating
• Foods with an “ugly form”
• Penances about alcohol use
• Avoiding garlic and onions

Get in touch for a copy!

About the Author:

UK training expert in equality laws and diversity issues

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Economic Woes-political Worries – Change on the Way?