Government will have to toughen laws on sexual discrimination
12-03-2007
The British government will have to do more to bring its sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination laws in line with European directives following a high court ruling against it.
A case was brought forward by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) claiming that the government had failed to properly implement 2002's amendments to the European Union's Equal Treatment Directive.
The EOC claimed that the UK application of the harassment laws were too narrow and has won its case, with judge Justice Burton calling for "clarity and certainty" in UK legislation.
"This decision is a welcome result for the thousands of vulnerable women who suffer pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment every year," commented Jenny Watson, head of the EOC.
"It should also come as good news for employers, who now have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities and won't find themselves tied up in expensive and time-consuming cases seeking clarification of regulations that are incompatible with European legislation."
The decision is thought likely to help keep pregnant women involved in decision-making during maternity leave and to offer greater protection to women working in sectors where they are likely to face regular contact with members of the public.
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