HC Deb 27 May 1988 vol 134 cc369-70W
Mr. Janner

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he has taken to remedy past inequalities in employment practices in his Department, in compliance with the codes of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission, respectively.

Mr. Butcher

The DTI agreed the adoption of policies on race relations and equality of opportunity for women with its departmental trade unions in 1984. These policies take account of the codes of practice issued under the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Equal Opportunity Act 1975. Policy statements were circulated to all staff in 1984. Copies of these have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. All DTI staff have been made aware of their personal responsibility to ensure quality of opportunity. Guidance is given, in particular, to those who report on others performance; those who select for recruitment, training, promotion and allocation to duties; and to managers, about the need to guard against unfair discrimination. Some examples of action taken are: Appointment of an equal opportunity officer in 1984. An ethnic monitoring survey of all staff has been undertaken with a view to providing a database against which progress of various groups can be monitored. Staff who face changes in domestic responsibilities may be helped to remain in, or return to, employment by special leave arrangements, part-time working and so on. The Department provides a one-week women-only management course. Grievance procedures are clearly laid down.