Discrimination is when someone is treated less favourably than another person. Anti-discrimination legislation promotes and protects people's right to equality of status, opportunity, and treatment on the basis of various 'grounds of protection'.
Employment and Equal Opportunities Service
The Employment Relations Service has now transitioned into the Employment & Equal Opportunities Service (EEOS). This service offers free advice and pre-complaint conciliation to try to help people to resolve issues before a formal complaint is registered. Post-complaint concilliation is also offered. Guidance and information is available on the EEOS website.
If you want to make a complaint about discrimination or other employment issues you should contact EEOS in the first instance on 01481 220026 or at enquires@eeos.gg
The Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance
The Sex Discrimination Ordinance provides protection against sex discrimination in employment. The Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2022, which came into force in October 2023, provides additional protection against discrimination on the grounds of race, disability, carer status, sexual orientation and religion or belief in employment, the provision of goods and services, education, accommodation and in the membership of clubs and associations.
There is a separate webpage which provides information about how the new legislation was developed.
When was the discrimination legislation introduced?
The Ordinance was approved by the States in September 2022 and came into force on 1st October 2023.
There are some delayed provisions which will come into force in the future.
- Complaints about education won't be possible until at least 1st September 2025.
- The duty to make reasonable adjustments to physical features will come in on 1st October 2028 at the earliest.
- The requirement for the public sector to produce accessibility action plans will come in on 1st October 2028 at the earliest.
What training is available?
The Consortium were commissioned to develop a series of training courses, which are available at Consortium.gg
The courses are:
- Foundation level- principles of equality and diversity and a basic introduction to the new Ordinance
- Introduction to the Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance
- Employers' responsibilities
- Service providers responsibilities
- Access and reasonable adjustments.
Online disability awareness training
Online disability awareness training has been commissioned by the States of Guernsey, created by AccessAble. To undertake this free training, you will need to create an account.
Guidance documents
The Committee for Employment & Social Security has published two Guidance documents about the Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance, in accordance with section 67 (2) of the Ordinance.
The Employment Guide and the Service Providers Guide can be accessed by the download on this page or by visiting the Employment and Equal Opportunities website. Summary documents of both guides are also available as well as other guidance and information which will support businesses and organisations when preparing for the Ordinance.
Contact us
If you have a query about anti-discrimination legislation you can write to us at:
Policy Team
Level 4
Edward T. Wheadon House
Le Truchot
St Peter Port
Guernsey
GY1 3WH
Or email us at: equality@gov.gg
