The Commission is also tasked with filing suits on behalf of alleged victim (s) of discrimination against employers and as an adjudicatory for claims of discrimination brought against federal agencies.
T he Equality and Human Rights Commission of Great Britain was established by the Equality Act 2006. N owadays the chairman of the Commission is Trevor Phillips who was previously chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality. I t has taken over the responsibilities of three former commissions: the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission. I
t also has responsibility for the other aspects of equality: age, sexual orientation and religion or belief, as well as human rights. T he Commission came into being on 1 October 2007. I
t only has responsibility for England, Scotland and Wales as a separate Equality Commission exists in Northern Ireland which was established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement. It is classed as a non-departmental public body, meaning that it is separate and independent from Government but still accountable for its public funds.
By seeking advice from any of the above, aggrieved employee will be able to find out if he has a valid case of unlawful discrimination and, if it’s considered that he has been unlawfully discriminated against then ultimately he can take the matter through to court, for instance to an Employment Tribunal of Great Britain. However the presenting of complaint to an Employment Tribunal should be done after the employer’s own processes, such as disciplinary hearings and internal appeals, have been exhausted.
If a claimant is successful in a claim for employment discrimination Employment Tribunal could nominate a «compensatory award». There is no statutory restriction on what may be awarded under this heading, except that it must be «just and equitable in all the circumstances». However, compensation for discrimination claims is not subject to statutory limits and, in the case of highly paid employees, can be substantial. Compensation is awarded in discrimination cases under a distinct head known as «Injury to feelings.»
What is the most important is that no one has to tolerate unlawful discrimination and that laws are in place to protect everybody from it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Employee Handbook, Southwest Library System, 2002
Employment discrimination laws of the USA — www.finduslaw.com
European Union law portal — www. eur-lex.europa.eu
The Canadian Human Rights Commission — www. chrc-ccdp.ca
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — www.eeoc.gov
Employee Handbook
The Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
European Union law portal
The Canadian Human Rights Commission
Employment discrimination laws of the USA
European Union law portal
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
European Union law portal
European Union law portal
