Workplace Report April 2005

Equality news

Regulations will cover civil partners

The government is consulting on changes to the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, to take account of new civil partnerships for same-sex couples.

The regulations outlaw discrimination in employment on grounds of sexual orientation. One of the proposed amendments states that the regulations consider a civil partner's status to be the same as that of a spouse - so that civil partners treated less favourably than married people will be able to bring a dicrimination claim.

The other amendment makes it clear that entitlement to certain benefits can be limited to spouses and civil partners.

If approved, the amendments will take effect from 5 December 2005 - the date when the Civil Partnership Act comes into force.

The consultation closes on Friday 13 May. For more information, visit www.dti.gov.uk/er/equality/eer_2003_amendments.htm