§ Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the impact that the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 will have on businesses, with particular reference to the costs they will incur; and if she will make a statement; [143832]
(2) what assessment she has made of the impact that the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 will have on businesses, with particular reference to the costs they will incur; and if she will make a statement. [143833]
§ Mr. SutcliffeWe have set out the impact on business of the Employment Equality (sexual orientation or religion or belief regulations) regulations 2003 as part of the last consultation on our proposals in the document "Equality and Diversity: the way ahead". In the case of sexual orientation, quantifiable benefits outweigh the costs significantly throughout the period analysed. For religion or belief, the initial costs are outweighed by the future benefits. Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Libraries of the House and are also available online at
dti.gsi.gov.uk/er/equality.