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WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

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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.

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