New sex discrimination guidance for pubs
New guidance has been launched to help pubs and breweries combat sex discrimination.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) targeted the licensed trade after it said there were "high levels of discrimination in the sector".
It found 39 successful cases in the last five years, including one pub that had to pay out over £50,000 compensation to an employee.
The EOC says over 300,000 women currently work in pubs, bars and breweries in the UK, 59% of all staff; so good equality practice is vital for protecting staff across the sector.
Publicans needs clear and sound advice on this complex area of the law Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer and Pub Association.
It advises licensees and bosses to:
- Get advice before taking any disciplinary action to check that you are not in danger of discriminating against staff.- Have an up to date equal opportunities policy that all your staff know about.- Check that none of your policies or working practices discriminates against men or women.- Provide a safe working environment for a pregnant employee.-Promote a culture of dignity and respect. One person's banter can easily be offensive or even harassment for another.
Jenny Watson, Chair of the EOC said: "Employment tribunals are costly for individuals and employers so the EOC believes the way to tackle discrimination is through prevention rather than cure.
"These guidelines, produced with the help of trade bodies, will help employers understand their responsibilities to staff and create a better working environment.
"Promoting equality also makes sound business sense. In an industry where staff retention is a key challenge facing employers, good equality practice will help to retain valuable and experienced staff."
Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Publicans needs clear and sound advice on this complex area of the law.
"These straightforward guidelines will help them not just to promote equality, but to avoid the pitfalls that can result in costly legal action in this area.
"These guidelines are therefore very welcome, and we are pleased to have been able to work with the Equal Opportunities Commission, and other bodies within the entertainment industry, to produce them."
The guidelines are available on the EOC's website at www.eoc.org.uk/pubs
