Equality helpline

The government is to set up a new Equality Advisory and Support Service after axing the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s helpline.

As well as telephone-based support for advice on discrimination, the service will provide lay independent advocacy support for people who need help. If someone’s problems cannot be resolved informally or through alternative dispute resolution and they do not have access to legal advice, the service will be able to help them help them in preparing to issue a claim.

Legal aid will continue to be available for claims over contraventions of the Equality Act 2010.

Further information can be found at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/equalities/government-equality/New-service-further-info/.