Delay of Single Equality Bill welcomed by Employers' Forum on Disability

The Governmentís decision to drop the Single Equality Bill from this yearís Queenís Speech was today welcomed by Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

The Bill had been due to be read today, but has been pulled following green paper consultation.

A government spokesperson confirmed that the Bill has been delayed until the next Queenís Speech in November 2008.
EFD chief executive Susan Scott-Parker said: ìEFD has previously called for the Single Equality Bill to be revised in detail.

ìWe therefore welcome the decision to delay it. EFD has shown concern, along with other organisations, that the Single Equality Bill in its current form weakens the public sector Disability Equality Duty.

ìHowever, the Government must give sufficient time for disability organisations to respond to the Bill prior to its first reading in Parliament and EFD would welcome the opportunity to see a draft Bill before November 2008.

ìThe Government must use this opportunity to get this legislation absolutely right.î