EHRC Draft Strategic Plan
On 11 July 2024, the EHRC published its 2025-2028 draft strategic plan. The plan provides useful guidance for employers when tackling employment law issues, particularly in relation to sexual harassment and discrimination.
The main focus areas of the plan are:
- Work: The EHRC aims to combat sexual harassment and improve pay and employment gaps for women, disabled individuals, and ethnic minorities in the workplace. The plan aims to address barriers for disabled employees, including the need for reasonable adjustments. Furthermore, the EHRC is committed to addressing the associated discrimination risks that can arise from insecure employment (such as zero-hour contracts) and technological advancements in the workplace including challenges arising from increased home and hybrid working arrangements.
- Participation and good relations: The EHRC expresses its commitment to addressing discrimination and privacy issues linked to artificial intelligence and digital exclusion and plans to tackle social tensions stemming from polarised discussions on equality and human rights. For instance, the EHRC aims to protect any undue restrictions on freedom of expression.
- Justice and the balance of rights: The EHRC will seek clarity in situations where the rights of two or more protected groups may conflict, such as issues relating to sex and gender or religion and belief. This includes navigating complex human rights issues, particularly in areas like detention. By addressing these tensions, the EHRC aims to create a balanced approach that respects and upholds the rights of all individuals.
Next Steps
The EHRC has launched a consultation on the draft strategic plan, which will be open from July to October 2024. The EHRC is requesting feedback to help them understand which equality and human rights issues they should prioritise before the plan is published. Feedback can be provided through this survey.
For more information or advice, please contact Rory Jutton in our Employment team on 07468 698 976. Alternatively, you can fill in the form below.