Equal Opportunities Commission

HL Deb 15 July 1997 vol 581 c106WA

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Equal Opportunities Commission has introduced targets for employment in its own organisation for male and ethnic minority staff and, if so, what are the target figures and whether the Government support such figures.

Baroness Blackstone

Since January of this year the Equal Opportunities Commission has a target to move from the current staff ratio of 80¹ women: 20¹ men to one of 70:30. It will reassess this target after two years. As ethnic minorities represent 5¹ of its staff the Commission has set no target in this regard. Whilst positive discrimination in filling individual vacancies is unlawful, targets are seen by the Government as a useful means of assessing progress towards a more balanced workforce.

¹per cent.