Political update

Equality bill passes Commons Report

MPs have passed the Equality Bill through the report stage following a debate this week. Solicitor general Vera Baird, who is piloting the legislation in the Commons, said the government had become convinced of the need to legislate to deter employers from asking health-related questions and using the information gained for discriminatory purposes.

"Through the new clause we are providing for unscrupulous employers to be brought to account if they ask questions about health and disability - for reasons not provided for in the new clause - and thereafter reject, or fail to consider, candidates for work because of a declared disability," she told the House.

MPs gave the Bill a third reading by 338 votes to eight, a majority of 330. Opening the debate Solicitor General Vera Baird said the legislation was a "groundbreaking new law, which will help narrow the gap between rich and poor".

She said: "It will outlaw age discrimination outside the workplace and significantly strengthen Britain's equality legislation, which for the first time, is brought together, coherently in one place."

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