If Sir Keir Starmer's party secures victory in the general election, he is poised to introduce groundbreaking legislation. Reports suggest that under the proposed draft Race Equality Act, ethnic minority workers will gain equal pay rights akin to those enjoyed by women.
UK's Labour Equality Agenda
Labour's proposals aim to tackle the increasing inequality observed over recent years, aiming for parity in pay regardless of ethnicity or disability, mirroring efforts made for gender-based pay equality.
According to The Guardian, Labour is poised to unveil their proposals, expected on Monday, which reportedly include measures to address "dual discrimination" where individuals face discrimination based on multiple protected characteristics.
This provision would enable individuals experiencing discrimination based on multiple factors to submit a single claim, simplifying the process and potentially reducing the backlog in tribunal cases.
Labour contends that this streamlined approach would expedite case resolution, ensuring faster access to justice for those affected.
Labour first committed to introducing a new Race Equality Act in October 2020, following a thorough review led by Baroness Doreen Lawrence.
The review emphasized the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 on ethnic minorities, attributing them to long-standing structural discrimination within British society.
Additionally, a race equality taskforce, headed by Baroness Lawrence and co-led by shadow equalities secretary, Anneliese Dodds, was established by the party to further address these issues.
“It has never been more important to deliver race equality,” Ms Dodds informed The Guardian on Sunday.
“Inequality has soared under the Tories and too many black, Asian and ethnic minority families are working harder and harder for less and less. This is holding back their families and holding back the economy.
“We are proud of our achievements in government, from the landmark Equality Act [in 2010] to strengthening protections against discrimination.
The next Labour government will go further to ensure no matter where you live in the UK, and whatever your background, you can thrive.”
Labour's Drive for Equality: Tackling Discrimination and Inequality
The article additionally notes that the enhanced equal pay rights will follow consultations with unions and business groups, allowing employers an adjustment period to ensure equitable pay for all workers.
Furthermore, back pay will only be accessible from the date of the law's enactment.
Moreover, the new legislation mandates institutions such as schools, councils, and the NHS to collect data and provide reports on employee demographics and salary differentials based on ethnicity.
According to Labour sources, the new act is anticipated to bolster the party's efforts to stimulate economic growth by promoting more stable employment and improved job prospects for ethnic minorities. Additionally, they suggest that the associated increase in wages could exceed £26 billion annually.
Nevertheless, the Runnymede Trust think-tank has expressed reservations, suggesting that the current plans may not adequately address the "formidable scale" of racial inequalities prevalent in the UK.
Dr. Shabna Begum, interim chief executive of the group, lauded Labour's race equality act as a significant departure from the regressive and detrimental policies observed under previous administrations.
Dr. Shabna Begum welcomed several commitments, especially those targeting workplace discrimination and the under-representation in school curricula. Furthermore, she expressed appreciation for the pledge to address dual discrimination, recognizing its complex nature.
Nevertheless, She pointed out that the plans lack sufficient measures to tackle the profound inequalities that markedly impact the experiences and opportunities of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.
“Committing to address structural racial inequality needs to understand that racism doesn’t simply arise when the system fails – but that racism is actually sewn into the very fabric of the system itself.
“Labour must use the race equality act as a platform to commit to an ambitious, cross-governmental approach supported with sustained investment addressing the unacceptable – and in some cases worsening – disparities in health, housing, wealth and policing, faced by so many communities of colour.”