14/04/2008 Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act
Following a decision last year's finding by the Court that current sex discrimination legislation does not comply with European requirements, amended regulations aimed at rectifying the deficiencies came into effect on 6 April 2008.
They introduced the following changes:
- a new definition of sex related harassment
- liability on employers for sex/sexual harassment where they knowingly fail to protect an employee from repeated harassment by third parties
- an extended right to protection from pregnancy/maternity discrimination
- for women whose expected week of childbirth begins on or after 5 October 2008, improved rights during compulsory and additional maternity leave, including removing the distinction between ordinary and additional maternity leave in respect of entitlement to non-pay benefits.
For further information on these topics, please contact: Bill Martin: bill.martin@curtisparkinson.com