British Beer and Pub Asssociation welcomes new discrimination guidelines

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has welcomed the publication of new guidelines designed to help pubs and breweries avoid discriminating against their staff.

The advice, from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), was launched after the EOC became aware of high levels of discrimination in the sector.

The Commission found 39 successful cases in the past five years alone, including one pub that had to pay out more than £50,000 compensation to an employee.

More than 300,000 women work in pubs, bars and breweries in the UK - 59% of all staff - so good equality practice is vital for protecting staff across the sector, said Jenny Watson, chair of the EOC.

"Employment tribunals are costly for individuals and employers, so the EOC believes the way to tackle discrimination is through prevention rather than cure," she said.

"These guidelines, produced with the help of trade bodies, will help employers understand their responsibilities to staff and create a better working environment.

"Promoting equality also makes sound business sense. In an industry where staff retention is a key challenge facing employers, good equality practice will help to retain valuable and experienced staff," Watson added.

Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "Publicans needs clear and sound advice on this complex area of the law. These straightforward guidelines will help them not just to promote equality, but to avoid the pitfalls that can result in costly legal action in this area.

"These guidelines are therefore very welcome, and we are pleased to have been able to work with the Equal Opportunities Commission, and other bodies within the entertainment industry, to produce them."

EOC guide on how to avoid discrimination:

• Get advice before taking any disciplinary action to check that you are not in danger of discriminating against staff.
• Have an up to date equal opportunities policy that all your staff know about.
• Check that none of your policies or working practices discriminates against men or women.
• Provide a safe working environment for a pregnant employee.
• Promote a culture of dignity and respect. One person's banter can easily be offensive or even harassment for another.

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By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas](mailto:daniel.thomas@rbi.co.uk?subject=British Beer and Pub Association) here.

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