WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
SECTION 17.1<br />
EFFECTS,NOT INTENTIONS THAT COUNT<br />
Importantly,it does not necessarily matter if an employer intended to discriminate.It is the effect of<br />
the discrimination which is important.<br />
Types of discrimination<br />
There are four different types of discrimination forbidden by law:<br />
Direct discrimination<br />
This occurs when a worker is treated less favourably on the grounds of a characteristic.For example<br />
gender,race or colour.<br />
Indirect discrimination<br />
This is when an employer's practice or policy has a bigger adverse effect on one group of employees<br />
than another because of a characteristic they share,for example such as gender,race or colour.<br />
Victimisation<br />
Victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably because they have made complaint<br />
discrimination or intends to make a complaint.<br />
Harassment<br />
Harassment occurs where a person is treated less favourably because of a characteristic and is<br />
subjected to unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or<br />
creating an offensive,intimidating,hostile or degrading environment.<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> EQUALITY AND INCLUSION STRUCTURES<br />
There is a member led National Equality Forum(NEF).The twelve members represent different equality<br />
characteristics and give strategic direction on equality and help <strong>GMB</strong> to realise its vision for equality<br />
and inclusion.<br />
This structure is replicated in the <strong>GMB</strong> Regions and many branches have lay equality officers.<br />
There is a network of <strong>GMB</strong> officers called Equality Champions responsible for supporting the<br />
organising,bargaining and equality projects.<br />
There are reserved seats for women and for black and minority ethnic members on the <strong>GMB</strong> Central<br />
Executive Council and Regional Councils.<br />
There is an annual <strong>GMB</strong> lay member Equality Conference as well as many on going issue based equality<br />
conferences.<br />
<strong>GMB</strong> VISION FOR EQUALITY AND INCLUSION<br />
“We want <strong>GMB</strong> to be recognised as the lead Trade Union in driving equality at work and in our society,<br />
while reflecting the make up of our members and potential members at all levels of <strong>GMB</strong> and unleashing<br />
their potential.”Paul Kenny General Secretary<br />
NOTE:Please consult your <strong>GMB</strong> Officer about taking formal legal advice if any <strong>GMB</strong> member complains<br />
to you about a specific incident of discrimination,victimisation or harassment at your workplace.