Clearing up the equality minefield

A national ministerial road show is visiting the region to help guide firms through the minefield of equality rules and regulations.

The North East Chamber of Commerce, NECC, is staging a “Business is Good for Equality” seminar as part of the road show organized by the British Chambers of Commerce in association with the Government Equalities Office.

Minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson will be guest speaker at the event on Thursday January 31 at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street.

Businesses attending will be able to explore with a legal expert some common issues faced by business in dealing with discrimination law, share intelligence and tips on how equality benefits their businesses and contribute stories to the BCC national campaign on “Business is good for Equality’’.

The event will be chaired by Nickie Gott, chairman of NECC’s Women’s Advisory Board and owner of event management company She’s Gott It.

She said: “I’m delighted that the Minister is coming to the region and hope many firms will take up the opportunity to come along so we can dispel some of the myths and business concerns around discrimination law and outline how equality can actually help a business owner.”

Jo Swinson said: “We already know that businesses want simple, accurate guidance that sets out their obligations under the law, that will help them manage their business and staff effectively. The aim of these roadshows is to help expose some common myths and show the difference between unnecessary and bureaucratic processes and what is actually required by the law.

“This will help employers to not only get a better understanding of what equality legislation requires but see the benefits of a more diverse workforce. It has been really encouraging to see from the other roadshows that so many employers think equality is important for their business and hear what the Government can do better to help support them.”