The Queen's Speech

The Queen's speech on 18th November 2009 provoked much discussion amongst lawyers and political commentators alike. In the employment sphere, the speech included provisions to limit bankers' bonuses through the proposed Financial Services and Business Bill said to "control the system of rewards" in the finance sector.

Also announced was a Bill to provide agency workers with the right, after 12 weeks in employment, to be treated equally with permanent staff in terms of pay, holidays and other basic conditions.

The Equality Bill was one of 13 bills covered in the seven minute speech.  A Bill said to “promote equality, narrow the gap between rich and poor and tackle discrimination.  The Bill would also introduce transparency in the workplace to help address the differences in pay between men and women”.

The Equality Bill was originally presented to the House of Commons on 26th June 2008 to harmonise and in some cases extend existing discrimination law covering the "protected characteristics" of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.  The Bill will reduce 9 major pieces of legislation and around 100 statutory instruments in to one accessible and understandable Act so that everyone can be clear on their rights and responsibilities.

However what is not so clear, to both supporters and opponents of the Equality Bill, is the likelihood of it becoming law.  With an expected May 2010 election, the Bill has only 6 months to progress through 5 stages in the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent, jostling for attention no doubt with the 12 other Bills.

Given the current opinion polls, and that the Conservatives voted against the Bill at its second reading in the House of Commons in May of this year, only time will tell whether the Equality Bill makes it into the statute books, and survives thereafter.

For further information on Employment Law contact Melissa Edmond, Employment Law Solicitor on 01227 763939.