The Public Sector Equality Duty or “general duty” created under the Equality Act 2010, requires us to have a due regard to:
- Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation
- Advancing equality of opportunity between different groups
- Fostering good relations between different groups.
The general duty is supported by two “specific duties” which requires us to:
- Publish information to show compliance with the equality duty every year
- Publish specific and measureable equality objectives at least every 4 years.
Protected characteristics
The general duty protects people from discrimination on the basis of certain categories which are known as 'protected characteristics'. These include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage / civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation.
See the Equality and Human Rights Commission (external link) for further guidance.
Modern Slavery
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 places specific responsibilities on organisations to ensure that slavery and human trafficking does not exist within the supply chain, and in any part of the business.
Wigan Council is committed through its policies and practices to prevent slavery and human trafficking and understands its responsibilities to residents, service users, employees and the local community.
Wigan Council’s Modern Slavery statement sets out Wigan Council’s arrangements and procedures that exist to eradicate slavery or human trafficking.
The Modern Slavery statement details how the council can prevent supporting modern slavery through its policies in recruitment and employment, procurement, safeguarding, legal duties and training.