Monday 01 November 2021
The Committee for Employment & Social Security has announced a Consortium and Appleby as the providers of training and guidance documents respectively, for the Discrimination Legislation.
The Consortium, led by The Guernsey Institute and international law firm, Walkers, brings together several key organisations including Equality Guernsey, Guernsey Disability Alliance, Guernsey Employment Trust, Liberate Guernsey and Focus HR.
They will work together to deliver a comprehensive training and development programme. This will be an important element of the support available to assist employers and service providers in understanding and preparing for the new Legislation.
Louise Misselke, from the Guernsey Institute, and on behalf of the Consortium, said
"The Consortium is representative of several different expert organisations. Together, we are delighted to develop and deliver a substantial training and development programme which will support the new legislation for both employers and all stakeholders in the wider community."
Sarah Ash, Group Partner from Walkers' Guernsey Employment Law Practice Group, said:
"I am delighted that our Employment team at Walkers, together with the Consortium, has been successful in our application to provide all of the required training sessions that the States of Guernsey has identified for the new Discrimination Legislation.
"As experts in discrimination law, Walkers is looking forward to working with the consortium to deliver practical and interactive sessions for employers and service providers to help them navigate the changes ahead effectively, without disruption to their businesses and in the most positive and constructive way for their employees."
Appleby will deliver guidance documents which will provide further support for employers and services providers. This guidance will provide clear, concise and easily digestible information including on matters such as accessibility and reasonable adjustments.
Richard Sheldon, Group Partner at Appleby, said:
"We are delighted to be working with the Committee on producing the supporting guidance documentation for the new Discrimination Legislation. We believe that a key part of ensuring that the legislation works for Guernsey is to make certain that all sides know and understand their respective obligations and rights. As such not only will the guidance include clear and concise explanations around the law, it will also include some basic template documentation aimed at helping smaller employers and organisations with limited resources."
Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security said:
"We want employers and service providers to have access to high-quality training and information so that they are well-equipped for the introduction of the new Discrimination Ordinance. Therefore, we're delighted to partner with the Consortium and Appleby to see this crucial need fulfilled."
The Discrimination Legislation will make it unlawful for employers and service providers to discriminate against a person on the grounds of race, disability, carer status, sexual orientation and either 'religious belief' or 'religion or belief', depending on the definition agreed by the States in November. Employers and service providers (including providers of goods and services, accommodation, education and clubs and associations) will need to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the new legislation before it comes into force.
A further update on the timing of the training and the date the Discrimination Legislation is likely to come into force will be provided before the end of the year. However, it is not anticipated that the legislation will come into force before the last quarter of 2022.
