Camau cyfreithiol

DWP signs legally binding agreement to improve equality and diversity in the workplace

Wedi ei gyhoeddi: 15 Rhagfyr 2020

Diweddarwyd diwethaf: 15 Rhagfyr 2020

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Manylion yr achos

Nodwedd warchodedig Oed, Hil, Rhyw
Mathau o hawliadau cydraddoldeb Gwahaniaethu uniongyrchol, Aflonyddu, Erledigaeth
Llys neu dribiwnlys Tribiwnlys Cyflogaeth
Rhaid dilyn y penderfyniad i mewn Lloegr, Alban, Cymru
Mae'r gyfraith yn berthnasol i Lloegr, Alban, Cymru
Cyflwr yr achos Parhaus
Ein cyfranogiad Gorfodaeth
Canlyniad Arall
Meysydd o fywyd Gwaith

Enw achos: Department for Work and Pensions section 23 agreement

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) entered a legally binding agreement with us after a former DWP employee won her claim of direct discrimination on the basis of age and race, racial harassment and victimisation.

Cefndir

A former DWP employee won her claim of direct discrimination on the basis of age and race, racial harassment and victimisation.

The employee, who is mixed Nigerian and Welsh, joined the DWP branch in Caerphilly as a full-time administrative officer in 2017 as the only non-white recruit and only trainee over the age of 50 in her cohort.

During her time at DWP, she was subjected to racist language, humiliated and discriminated against while being repeatedly accused of stealing, the court found.

The tribunal also heard that colleagues breached her confidence after she reported feeling "bullied".

After going on sick leave in March 2017, she was dismissed in October that year for being unable to return to work, which the Employment Tribunal ruled as constructive dismissal.

In its judgement, the Employment Tribunal recommended that the DWP pay out more than £386,000 in compensation and seek assistance from us in reviewing its equality and diversity training to ensure it was effectively implemented throughout the organisation.

Pam roedden ni'n cymryd rhan

Racism, harassment and victimisation have no place in our society. Because Age, Race and Sex are protected characteristics and harassment and victimisation of the employee were focused on these elements, the behaviour demonstrated by DWP employees at the time was against the law. 

When we suspect an illegal act, it allows us to use our legal powers.

Beth wnaethom ni

We arranged for DWP to enter into a legal document, known as a section 23 agreement under the Equality Act 2006, to protect its employees from discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Beth ddigwyddodd

The agreement with us commits DWP to carrying out an action plan to improve its approach to equality and diversity, including steps such as:

  • Working with ACAS to review diversity & inclusion training and considering and implementing any recommendations the review suggests;
  • Working with the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) to review the departmental processes for handling Employment Tribunal cases and considering and implementing its recommendations;
  • Reviewing grievance and dignity at work procedures and making any changes required;
  • Implementing an Induction Review and Induction Assurance Framework to ensure greater consistency in inductions and a positive introduction to the Department;
  • Introducing Ambassadors for Fair Treatment (AFTs) across DWP to provide additional support to employees.

Pwy fydd yn elwa

Signing the agreement was an important and necessary step taken by the DWP. 

We want employers across the country to ask themselves if their workplaces are safe. There’s never been a more important time to focus on building an inclusive society.

Anne Giwa-Amu, the previous DWP employee said "Too often cases like mine are swept under the carpet or go unnoticed because the victim lacks legal knowledge and the resources to take the case to the Employment Tribunal.

I am pleased EHRC and Equal Justice solicitors has brought my case into the public eye and I hope this agreement will bring about the change that should have happened at the DWP decades ago."

Dyddiad y gwrandawiad

15 Rhagfyr 2020

Dyddiad dod i ben

15 Rhagfyr 2020

Diweddariadau tudalennau

Advice and support

If you think you might have been treated unfairly and want further advice, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

The EASS is an independent advice service, not operated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Phone: 0808 800 0082
 

Or email using the contact form on the EASS website.
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Call the EASS on:

0808 800 0082