WA49

Discrimination costs employers "4.2m a year"

Compensation payments for unlawful discrimination at work cost employers nearly £4.2m last year, a report from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has revealed.

Overall, payments fell in 2003, with the number of sex, race and disability discrimination payments falling to 376, compared with 413 in 2002.

The highest average awards were for disability discrimination, with an average total payout of £15,634.

The EOC also reported that more than 1,000 women each year take legal action as a result of being dismissed because they are pregnant.

With 1 October marking the introduction of new disability laws, as well as new rules on disciplinary and grievance procedures in the workplace, some experts are warning that many smaller businesses are not sufficiently prepared.

Firms are being urged to ensure that they have updated their policies and procedures in line with the forthcoming regulations.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has produced a guide for retailers on the new disability legislation. To view the guide, visit the BRC website (www.brc.org.uk).

PLEASE CONTACT US ABOUT OTHER NEWS ITEMS FROM WA1 to WA84

Walderslade Accounting have invested in a monthly subscription service provided by leading accounting industry experts. We are licensed to pass this benefit onto our existing clients to keep them right up-to-date with emerging tax rules and potential benefits to businesses.

If you are not an existing client: If you are not an existing client of Walderslade Accounting Services, you too can benefit from these Monthly News Memoranda's, simply click here to contact us for further information.