On 26 June 2008 Harriet Harman, Leader of the House of Commons, announced the new Single Equality Bill. On 27 April 2009 the Government published the Equality Bill and it is currently progressing through Parliament. It is likely to come into force in October 2010.

Consultation about the Guidance

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has been in discussion with the Government Equalities Office about producing both statutory and non statutory guidance, some of which will be published prior to the Act's implementation, to help everyone understand the new Act and how equalities legislation will change.

In order to ensure the guidance will be as useful and informative as possible the Commission is seeking views on the draft versions. The Commission will be consulting on the draft non-statutory guidance for employment; services, public functions and associations; and education. These consultations are open until 16 April.

Quick link to take part in the online consultations on the non-statutory guidance

The Commission is also consulting separately about the draft Codes of Practice. This consultation is open until 2 April.

To find out more click on the adjacent link: Equality Bill consultations