Creating a fairer Britain
27 January 2010
The Commission welcomed today’s report by the National Equality Panel, which it believes is the most detailed research yet completed into the complex nature of inequality and disadvantage.
Speaking at the report’s launch today Neil Kinghan, Director General of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: 'We have known for a long time that the kind of simple formula which says you are a woman or you are from an ethnic minority: therefore you are disadvantaged is not an adequate explanation of the reality of people’s lives.
'The value of this report is how it pinpoints the combinations of circumstance that create the most acute instances of disadvantage: that as well as socio-economic class, race, gender, disability and other factors still matter very deeply.'
The Commission’s own reports have shown that white British boys, black Caribbean boys and gypsy and traveller families fare the worst in school, and that women and ethnic minority workers, despite improving levels of qualification, continue to receive a pay penalty.
Mr Kinghan pointed to the lack of data - for example on sexual orientation - to help local and central government address the causes of disadvantage. The Commission is currently compiling its first triennial review, gathering data designed to show where the most significant inequalities are found in modern British life.
The report marks an opportunity to re-examine the culture and practices that underlie the way public institutions and workplaces operate, Mr Kinghan argued, adding that the Equality Bill currently being debated in Parliament should bring about a cultural change in public institutions so that they work better for everyone, no matter what their background or personal circumstances.
'As we move from recession to recovery, and adjust to an economy and public finances that look radically different from what we might have imagined three years ago, politicians of all stripes have the opportunity to embed the principles of equality and human rights in every facet of British life,' Mr Kinghan said.
For more press information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission media office on 020 3117 0255, out of hours 07767 272 818.
For general enquiries please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s national helpline: England 0845 604 6610 / Scotland 0845 604 5510 / Wales 0845 604 8810
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.