"Everyone should have a fair chance to participate in society"

Friday 29 September 2023

A major milestone will be reached on Sunday with the introduction of new comprehensive legislation to prevent discrimination

Some 20 years after the States first discussed the topic, it will be unlawful to discriminate against a person on the grounds of disability, carer status, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation in employment, the provision of goods and services, the provision of accommodation, and in the membership of clubs and associations.

Further areas including age discrimination are to be discussed soon. 

“The principle that all people should be free and equal lies at the very heart of our democracy,” said Employment & Social Security president Deputy Peter Roffey.

“The reputation, legitimacy and credibility of our government is partially based on our visible commitment to ensuring that all of our citizens and visitors have a fair and equal chance to participate in our society.

“No one should be left behind or systematically excluded. No one should be denied opportunities, to have somewhere to live, to have a job, or an education, just because of personal characteristics that should be irrelevant.”

He said that this milestone was a major step in the right direction, but the journey does not stop. 

There are some specific parts of the ordinance that will come into force at later dates, including prohibiting discrimination in the field of education.

ESS also intends to come back to the States this term for a policy decision on age discrimination and the grounds currently covered by the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.

The 20 year history of discrimination laws

2003: States discuss the principle of introducing multi-ground discrimination legislation. 

2006: Legislation introduced prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sex, marriage, and gender reassignment in employment.

2013: States unanimously agrees to develop proposals for discrimination legislation to protect disabled people and carers. 

2018: States unanimously agrees to extend this to cover multiple grounds of protection.

2023: Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance comes into effect.

Employment and Equal Opportunities Service

The new Employment and Equal Opportunities Service has been launched to provide guidance and advice on a wide range of employment and discrimination related matters.

It is independent from the States, replacing the Employment Relations Service.

Among its work is offering free pre-complaint conciliation to help people resolve employment and discrimination issues early, with the aim of reducing the number of formal complaints.

Director Stephen Glencross said: “EEOS are here to provide free and impartial advice to anyone living in Guernsey, Herm, or Jethou on a wide range of matters relating to work or accessing goods and services.

“Our team have many years of experience in supporting businesses, employees and anyone who has questions, issues, or concerns about the workplace. This ranges from queries about contracts of employment, recruitment adverts, and employee conduct, through to technical queries on employment or discrimination legislation.

“Under the new Ordinance our service is expanding to provide anyone with advice and guidance on the prevention of discrimination in settings outside of work such as service provision, accommodation, purchasing of goods, and joining clubs and associations."

Further details on the service can be found at www.eeos.gg. 

Alternatively you can call on 220026.