Commission for Racial Equality
CRE 37
Commission for Racial Equality
Code of Practice on
Racial Equality in Employment
Kay Hampton CRE Chair
The CRE website
The CRE has produced a statutory code on employment that summarises the law in relation to race equality and employment . The Code works through the employment cycle from drawing up job descriptions and job specifications , advertising and developing good employment practice .
The Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment deals with employers ’ rights and responsibilities as well as focusing on areas such as ; harassment , dealing with disciplinaries and grievances as well as redundancies . The Code is useful in complementing other approaches to equality and diversity including the business arguments for taking action in this area . As well as providing user friendly guidance on the law as well as highlighting good practice on avoiding discrimination , promoting equity and fairness at work .
It is an essential tool for employers in all types and sizes of businesses within different sectors as well as employees , who want to know about their rights and responsibilities .
The Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment is a statutory document drawn up following extensive consultation and discussion published in early 2006 which follows on and builds upon the previous CRE code . The current Code , therefore , reflects legislative requirements as well as highlighting practical and achievable measures for employers , representatives , Trade Unions and government departments .
As a statutory code of practice it has legal authority . Tribunals will take account of whether and how an employer considered the code and how it has been implemented within their organisation . Adopting the code and being seen to use it can even be used in mitigation when defending a claim of discrimination and / or harassment .
The Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment can be viewed at the CRE website www . cre . gov . uk If you want to know more please contact the Private Sector Directorate at the above website .
ISSUE THREE 2007 engage | uk