Confusing Act

Smaller firms may find it difficult to understand the new Equality Act in its present form, according to the Association of Personal Assistants. The organisation is joining others in calling for greater clarity in the legislation, which has an accompanying 300-page guidance document.

Gareth Osborne, Director General of APA, said that in its present state, the guidance does not deliver the clarity necessary to achieve real change in business behaviour. "It fails to provide clear and accurate advice to business owners about the requirements of the Act," he stated. In seeking to provide best practice recommendations, the clarity of the advice becomes muddled and lost. APA believes that this confusion will lead to further costs as businesses either over-react to the legislation or are forced to bear the burden at subsequent tribunals for not engaging with the legislation."

Gareth cautioned that the document is also too long and will also prove prohibitive to small company bosses, many of whom have severe limits on their time and little patience when faced with indigestible legalese.

The Equality Act is due to come into force in October 2010, with its measures to be phased in over the next three years. PAs are recommended to watch out for abridged versions (coming soon) to ensure they remain current.

APA