Insights
Client Alert
Sexual Orientation Discrimination – Actions Employers Should Take
June 06, 2007
Caroline Dunne and Anna Hermelin
On 2 April 2007 the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (“ACAS”) published the results of research into the impact of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 in the UK. ACAS found that workplace discrimination allegations regarding sexual orientation were dominated by claims of bullying and harassment including name-calling, threats and physical assaults.
To limit legal risk, employers should implement policies dealing with equal opportunities, and the bullying and harassment of employees. These policies should be backed up by awareness-raising programmes that educate employees and discourage inappropriate workplace behaviour.