Employment law cases to rise with introduction of Equality Act?

Employment law cases could be set to climb when the Equality Act is introduced this Friday (October 1st).

The bill makes provision for ending discrimination in the workplace, as well as other public spheres such as education and associations.

Solicitors specialising in employment law might find their services are in greater demand, either as the new regulations legislate against practices that were previously permissible, or because individuals are more aware of their rights.

Profession-related claims have gone up since the recession, with accusations of incidents such as unfair dismissal rising significantly.

Indirect discrimination will also be covered, meaning, for example, that carers should not suffer unfair treatment due to their personal commitments.

However, an employment case that could still be difficult to argue is one of a pay gap between the genders, something which is acknowledged to exist, but could be difficult to argue in a court of law.

Provisions for this issue are still under consideration by the government, indicating changes might be made in the future.