HC Deb 10 May 1999 vol 331 cc47-8W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to issue guidance to employers and employees on the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999. [83901]

Ms Hodge

The Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999 (No. 1102), which were laid before Parliament on 9 April, came into force on 1 May. The Regulations extend the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to cover protection from discrimination on grounds of gender reassignment in the fields of employment and vocational training.

In order to help individuals and employers understand their rights and responsibilities arising from the new Regulations, I have published the "Guide to the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999". In addition to providing helpful guidance on the effect of the legislation, it also suggests some "good practice" examples for successfully accommodating a transsexual employee in the workforce.

I have placed a copy of the Guide in the Library.