In response to a letter from the Equality and Human Rights Commission raising concerns about the lack of single-sex changing facilities at NHS Fife, the health board has responded, stating that it will not consider changing its current self-ID practice until Peggie v NHS Fife has concluded.
About time the EHRC bared its teeth. IMO it is shocking that so many people, mainly women, have had to take their employers to court to prove sex discrimination. EHRC needs to be more proactive, especially with public sector organisations.
Michael, can I ask you a (slightly) unrelated question?
In the case of a University, where toilets and changing facilities may be shared by staff and students, do the Workplace Regs re single sex provision always apply because employees will be using them?
Yes, I believe they do. The regs are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which also expressly protects non employees too.
Section 1Preliminary.
(1)The provisions of this Part shall have effect with a view to—
(a)securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work;
(b)protecting persons other than persons at work against risks to health or safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; ...
I'm a little puzzled about how NHS Fife is taking all the flak when these policies are promulgated NHS Scotland-wide (and down here in England & Wales). Why can't the EHRC issue a system-wide message?
About time the EHRC bared its teeth. IMO it is shocking that so many people, mainly women, have had to take their employers to court to prove sex discrimination. EHRC needs to be more proactive, especially with public sector organisations.
that's good news. l hope EHRC bring the full force of the law down on NHS fife
Great stuff Michael, but I think CEO of nhs Fife is Carol Potter not Porter. You must have been typing so fast!!
Thank you - have corrected.
Michael, can I ask you a (slightly) unrelated question?
In the case of a University, where toilets and changing facilities may be shared by staff and students, do the Workplace Regs re single sex provision always apply because employees will be using them?
Yes, I believe they do. The regs are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 which also expressly protects non employees too.
Section 1Preliminary.
(1)The provisions of this Part shall have effect with a view to—
(a)securing the health, safety and welfare of persons at work;
(b)protecting persons other than persons at work against risks to health or safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work; ...
Happy to hear views of others.
I'm a little puzzled about how NHS Fife is taking all the flak when these policies are promulgated NHS Scotland-wide (and down here in England & Wales). Why can't the EHRC issue a system-wide message?
Essentially, they have in the form of guidance.
I assume the actions have to taken at the level where policy is decided, ie at individual board / trust level.