§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment what study he has made of the code of practice on race relations and employment which has been published by the Commission for Racial Equality; what steps he will take to bring this to the notice of employers; if he is planning any changes in the law with regard to equal opportunity at work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThe draft code of practice published on 20 February 1980 was prepared by the Commission for Racial Equality after consultations, which are required by the Race Relations Act 1976, with organisations representative of workers and employers. The commission has now published its draft under section 47(2) of the Act so that representations can be made about its provisions by employers, trade unions and any one else concerned. In due course, after the commission has considered any representations which are made—the closing date for comment is 16 may 1980—the commission will submit a further draft code to the Secretary of State for his consideration. My Department will therefore be making a close study of the present draft and will be arranging for notice of its publication to be included in theDepartment of Employment Gazette and Employment News to supplement the commission's measures to bring the draft to the notice of all who may wish to offer comment including employers and trade unions.
I have no present plans to make changes in the law with regard to equal opportunity at work.