Equal Opportunities                                                                  

Equality and human rights underpin our vision of a modern, fairer and more prosperous society.

Extending opportunities to all means removing unfair barriers. Delivering prosperity for all means harnessing the skills and potential of every member of society, whatever their background.

This page provides help and information about equal opportunities and has links to other useful websites.

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At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on this subject and many more.  You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.

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Our Policy

Connexions are committed to ensuring equality, combatting discrimination and celebrating diversity.

We will ensure that all clients can access our services, and that we meet each individual’s needs, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, care/parenting responsibility, criminal record or disability.

In this country it is against the law for anyone to be discriminated against on the grounds of:

• Race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin
• Gender
• Disability
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• A spent criminal conviction of less than two and a half years custodial sentence (although certain jobs, e.g. working with children or the elderly are exempt from this law).

Where to Get Help and More Information

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

To find out more about the minimum wage call the National Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678 or visit the Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/nm

To find out more about the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations visit the Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) website by CLICKING HERE.

Employment rights for young people: To find out more about your employment rights visit the Direct.Gov website HERE.

Age Positive promote the benefits of employing a mixed-age workforce that includes older and younger people. They encourage employers to make decisions about recruitment, training and retention that do not discriminate against someone because of their age.  To find out more please visit www.agepositive.gov.uk.

Works 4 me gives information about breaking free of stereotypes so YOU can decide what works 4 you. 80% of girls and 55% boys said they would consider working in a job that was usually done by the opposite sex. Don’t let old ideas about what jobs are suitable for girls and boys limit your choices. Visit www.works4me.org.uk for more information.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice with legal problems, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, and more. Visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or to see a list of local Citizens Advice Bureau offices with contact numbers CLICK HERE.

For General Advice and information on employment discrimination contact ACAS on 08457 47 47 47. Acas provide up-to-date information and independent advice. Visit www.acas.org.uk.

The new Equality and Human Rights Commission opened on 1st October 2007. The new commission is working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society for a more equal Britain.  The Equality and Human Rights Commission have a helpline.  Call 08457 622 633 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm; Wed 9:00 am-8:00 pm or visit www.equalityhumanrights.com.

The Commission for Racial Equality is a publicly funded, non-governmental body set up under the Race Relations Act 1976 to tackle racial discrimination and promote racial equality. Visit www.cre.gov.uk/ethdiv/ethdiv.html.

Gender: Equal Opportunities Commission. Telephone 0845 601 5901 or visit their website at www.eoc.org.uk.

Criminal conviction: For ex-offenders and their families and friends only. Contact NACRO FREE on 0800 0181259 or visit their website at www.nacro.org.uk.

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