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Discrimination and Diversity for Local Government Employers

Overview

This topic sets out legal and good practice requirements and advice on discrimination and diversity which are specific to local authorities. Many of these relate to the relationship between national terms and conditions of employment (which most local authorities adhere to) and the law on discrimination.

Note:

This topic does not cover issues which affect the wider public sector (including local government), such as the Public Sector Equality Duties (which are covered in a separate topic). Some of the advice referred to would not, strictly speaking, apply to local government employers who do not operate national terms and conditions, although it may still be useful to them.

Discrimination and Diversity for Local Government Employers: Quick Facts

  • The National Joint Council (NJC) for local government services National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service (the NJC agreement) contains requirements and advice on meeting equal pay legislation and good practice. This includes the use of job evaluation. Equal Pay Issues and Local Government

  • There is important case law on whether equal pay claims can be made by local government employees citing employees of a different council as comparators in equal pay claims.

  • The Local Government Association has developed The Equality Framework for Local Government to help local authorities, in discussion with local partners, review and improve their performance for people with characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Framework for Local Government

  • The NJC agreement includes advice on the terms and conditions of part-time workers. Part-time Workers in Local Government

  • The NJC agreement includes advice on positive action to tackle discrimination. Positive Action to Tackle Discrimination

  • In operating NJC terms and conditions, local government employers need to be aware of a number of issues relating to age discrimination legislation. Age Discrimination and National Terms and Conditions

  • There are age discrimination issues affecting local authorities’ ability to make enhanced redundancy payments under the Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006.

  • The NJC agreement includes advice on recruitment. Recruitment in Local Authorities

  • The NJC agreement includes advice on dealing with harassment. Dealing with Harassment