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What is environmental, social and governance (ESG) and why does it matter?

It is the range of environmental, social and governance factors against which the sustainability credentials of a company may be measured. Environmental refers to a company’s: Impact on the natural environment. Carbon footprint. Production of waste. Pollution. Social refers to how a company manages its: Relationship with its workforce. Customers. Suppliers. The wider community. Governance…

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Dismissing a manager for using the ‘N-word’ was unfair and discriminatory

An employment tribunal (‘ET’) has decided that a manager who used an offensive racial term in a race awareness training session was unfairly dismissed and subjected to discrimination because of something arising from his disability (dyslexia). Facts Mr Borg-Neal (‘BN’) was a manager at Lloyds Banking Group plc (‘the Bank’). During the training, BN asked…

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What are the most helpful adjustments for negative symptoms of menstruation or menopause?

A survey of 2,000 workers has identified the workplace adjustments that may be most helpful for those experiencing negative symptoms of menstruation and menopause. Of the individuals surveyed, 35% said that their work was affected by negative symptoms associated with menopause. A further 53% said they experienced workplace difficulties connected to menstruation. The symptoms most…

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New CIPD guide on workplace transgender and non-binary diversity, equity and inclusion

On 5th September 2023, the CIPD published new guidance on transgender and non-binary equity, diversity, and inclusion (‘DEI’) in the workplace. The guide aims to help people professionals, employers and people managers take a proactive and informed approach to supporting transgender and non-binary people at work, as part of a broader EDI policy. Drawing from…

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Fawcett Society publishes employer’s guide on fertility at work

The Fawcett Society, in collaboration with TotalJobs, has published an employer’s guide on navigating fertility at work. It shows that women feel the impact of infertility at work more acutely than men do, with disadvantages compounded for women on a low income, in a single-parent household, or from an Asian or Asian-British background. A survey…

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Employee whose performance declined in menopause awarded £64,000 for disability discrimination

Law Menopause-related discrimination claims can be complex. Several characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act 2010 may be relevant. These may include: Age: where those of menopausal or post-menopausal age are treated differently from other age groups. Sex: where a woman is treated less favourably, harassed or disadvantaged because of menopause. Disability: where an…

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Comments against gender-critical beliefs were unlawful harassment

An employment tribunal has unanimously upheld a harassment claim related to an employee’s gender-critical belief. It was not disputed that her belief was protected under Section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Facts The claimant was employed by the Arts Council England (‘ACE’). The Deputy Chief Executive of ACE hosted a virtual drop-in session for…

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When can an employer interfere with an employee’s expression of their beliefs?

The EAT has upheld an appeal against an employment tribunal’s decision that a Christian employee was not directly discriminated against or harassed because of her protected beliefs, including that gender cannot be fluid and that an individual cannot change their biological sex or gender. Facts Mrs Higgs is a Christian and was employed as a…

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British Standards Institute publishes new code of practice on workplace diversity, equity and inclus

The Code makes the business case for DEI and its link to performance. It uses practical guidance and tools to encourage, promote, and support DEI in the workplace. The document advises your business to select the most appropriate guidance for you and to adopt a phased approach so that you can measure progress and results….

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How can you use disability passports to improve inclusion?

The Great British Workplace Adjustments Survey 2023 reveals disabled employees still face barriers at work and makes recommendations for employers to improve disability inclusion in their workplace. The survey notes that disabled employees wait too long for reasonable adjustments and barriers remain even after adjustments have been made. The report encourages employers to use disability…

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