New panel to assess inequality in the UK

New panel to assess inequality in the UK

15.9.2008

A new independent National Equality Panel has been set up by the government to investigate inequality in the UK.

Minister for Women and Equality Harriet Harman announced the news at the Trades Union congress yesterday.

Made up of leading academic experts in inequality, the panel will be chaired by professor John Mills and will report its findings to the Government at the end of 2009.

To assess equality trends and people's life chances, aspects such as wealth, where they were born, the family they were born into and where they live now will be considered.

Gender, race, age and disability will also be studied.

Speaking at the congress, Ms Harman said: "Equality matters more than ever and it is necessary for individuals, a peaceful society and a strong economy."

Some employers are cautious about taking on disabled staff as they are worried about making politically incorrect statements or major changes they may have to make to the workplace, according to Remploy.

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