UI-Consulting is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants as set out in the Equality Act 2010. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (“protected characteristics”). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which staff treats visitors, clients, suppliers and former staff members. All staff has a duty to act in accordance with this policy and treat colleagues with dignity at all times, and not to discriminate against or harass other members of staff, regardless of their status. This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment and may be amended at any time. This policy covers all individuals working at all levels and grades (collectively referred to as staff in this policy).
The Managing Director has overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy and for ensuring compliance with discrimination law. All managers must set an appropriate standard of behaviour, lead by example and ensure that those they manage adhere to the policy and promote our aims and objectives with regard to equal opportunities. If you have any questions about the content or application of this policy, you should contact the Operations Director. 3. Forms of discrimination? Discrimination by or against an employee is generally prohibited unless there is a specific legal exemption. Discrimination may be direct or indirect and it may occur intentionally or unintentionally. Direct discrimination occurs where someone is treated less favourably because of one or more of the protected characteristics set out above. For example, rejecting an applicant on the grounds of their race because they would not “fit in” would be direct discrimination. Indirect discrimination occurs where someone is disadvantaged by an unjustified provision, criterion or practice that also puts other people with the same protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage. For example, a requirement to work full time puts women at a particular disadvantage because they generally have greater childcare commitments than men. Such a requirement will need to be objectively justified. Harassment related to any of the protected characteristics is prohibited. Harassment is unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Victimisation is also prohibited. This is less favourable treatment of someone who has complained or given information about discrimination or harassment or supported someone else’s complaint.
We aim to ensure that no job applicant suffers discrimination because of any of the protected characteristics above and individuals are treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Job advertisements should avoid stereotyping or using wording that may discourage groups with a particular protected characteristic from applying. Applicants should not be asked about health or disability before a job offer is made. There are limited exceptions, which should only be used with the Operations Director’s approval. For example:
We will ensure that redundancy criteria and procedures are fair and objective and are not directly or indirectly discriminatory. We will also ensure that disciplinary action is applied without discrimination, whether it results in disciplinary warnings, dismissal or other action.
If you are disabled or become disabled, we encourage you to tell us about your condition so that we can support you as appropriate. If you experience difficulties at work because of your disability, you may wish to contact the Health & Safety Manager to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would help overcome or minimise the difficulty. The Health & Safety Manager may wish to consult with you and your medical adviser(s) about possible adjustments. We will consider the matter carefully and try to accommodate your needs within reason. If we consider a particular adjustment would not be reasonable, we will explain our reasons and try to find an alternative solution where possible.
We monitor the conditions of service of all employees and their progression to ensure that they are being offered appropriate access to benefits and training and promotion opportunities.
If you believe that you may have been discriminated against you are encouraged to raise the matter with the Operations Director as a Grievance. If you believe that you may have been subject to harassment you are encouraged to raise the matter with the Operations Director. Allegations regarding potential breaches of this policy will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly. Staff who make such allegations in good faith will not be victimised or treated less favourably as a result. False allegations which are found to have been made in bad faith will, however, be subject to disciplinary action. Any member of staff who is found to have committed an act of discrimination or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action. Such behaviour may constitute gross misconduct and, as such, may result in summary dismissal. We take a strict approach to serious breaches of this policy.
We will continue to review the effectiveness of this policy to ensure it is achieving its objectives.
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