Sex Discrimination is outlawed in Jersey – but do you know exactly what that means?

Tuesday 04 August 2015

Law At Work – Jersey’s leading human resources, employee relations and health and safety specialist – is offering a free online clinic on Wednesday 12 August for anyone wanting to understand more about the latest update to Jersey’s Discrimination Law.

On 1 September new regulations will come into force which extend the scope of Jersey’s Discrimination Law. Following on from the introduction of protection from race discrimination last year, new protection will be given to sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity (including breastfeeding).

This means that it will be illegal for employers and service providers to discriminate against their workers or customers, for example, on the grounds of them being a woman or homosexual or pregnant or on maternity.

But what do these protected characteristics actually mean? Do you know the different forms that discrimination takes? Will employers have to take positive action? Will they have to keep a check on office banter? Can pay differ between the sexes? What about outside of work – do clubs and charities come under the scope of the new regulations?

Law At Work is offering anyone the chance to ask questions relating to the new update to the Discrimination Law. Whether you run a business and need to comply with the new responsibilities or would simply like to know what the law says about sex discrimination, then get online and ask a question.

The clinic will be held between 10.30 am and 11.30 am on Wednesday 12 August. Anyone can pose a question using the hashtag #asklaw, either on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lawatworkci), Twitter (www.twitter.com/lawatworkci) or Linkedin (search Law At Work Channel Islands). Alternatively they can ask a question in advance by emailing enquiry@lawatworkci.com, and the answer will be posted during the session.

Kelly Flageul, LAW’s Managing Director, says: “Running online clinics provides an informal, easily accessible and instant way for Islanders to engage on topical issues in a quick-fire two way dialogue with those in the know. With just under a month to go until the law comes into effect, it’s a great opportunity to get your house in order.

“A quick look at history shows leaving matters to custom and behaviour does little to correct discriminatory treatment on grounds of sex. Many countries, Jersey now included, have elected to pass laws to address gender issues that exist in society. The new legislation will affect everyone, whether its employers who may be liable for discrimination, which takes place outside of the workplace at a Christmas party for instance, or an individual who unwittingly finds themself having to cough up compensation for being sexist or homophobic at work.

“We pride ourselves on giving straightforward advice, excelling in areas of employment relations and tribunal representation, and we look forward to injecting some clarity into what otherwise seem an overwhelming subject. Anyone who has a question can join in by just getting online and using the hash tag #asklaw.“