The Equality Act 2017 seeks to provide a unified legal framework to protect individuals from discrimination, harassment and victimisation in both the workplace and the provision of goods and services.
The Equality Act has repealed the following legislation:
The following characteristics are now protected under the Act:
Compliance with the Equality Act 2017 is a legal obligation, but it also makes good business sense as your customers and employees are diverse.
Organisations that:
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are able to provide services that meet the diverse needs of its users generally run more efficiently
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have a culture of a supportive working environment and draw on a wider range of talent, representing a diverse community are generally more productive
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embody a diverse workforce result in better informed decision-making and policy development
In January 2019, Visit Isle of Man hosted an information session on the Equality Act. The presentation from the Equality Adviser is available here.
Additionally, some employment rights contained within the Employment Act 2006 have been amended.
We request that all tourism providers are required to have an Access Statement in place as best practice. If you have not yet prepared your Statement, guidance can be found here.
Step 1
Step 1
Please Read the Equality Act and accompanying Explanatory Notes.
Please click here to view the current Statutory Code of Practice on Employment and Equality Act 2017 – Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability
Step 2
Familiarise yourself with this document: Accessible Cafes, Restaurant and Hospitality, it is an extremely useful resource for tourism businesses.
Step 3
Complete the Self-Assessment Checklist to review how accessible your service currently is, and to potentially identify ways of improving the accessibility.
If after completing Step 1 to 3 you have any concerns on how your service or premises comply with either Act, please contact the Equality Adviser who will be more than happy to assist you.
