ICEX GROUP recognises that discrimination is unacceptable and that it is in the interests of the Company and its employees to utilise the skills of the total workforce. It is the aim of the Company to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable facilities or treatment on grounds of sex, marital status, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, dependents or age or are placed at a disadvantage by imposed conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justified. The Company wishes to see its workforce broadly reflecting the community in which its premises are based.

Present numbers of staff and applicants for appointments or promotion shall be assessed on the basis of their suitability, capability and qualifications. This policy and the associated arrangements shall operate in accordance with statutory requirements. In addition, full account will be taken of any Codes of Practice issued by the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Department of Employment, and guidance from the Department of Health, and other statutory bodies.

Discriminations Definitions

Where discrimination against any person or group is referred to it shall be deemed to be potential discrimination within any of the categories listed in the policy statement. Two types of discrimination are covered by statute - direct and indirect.

Direct Discrimination

Direct discrimination occurs when a person or group is treated less favourably than others. Segregating a person or group on the basis of their race, sex or disability is unlawful. It also is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a job applicant whose conviction is spent.

Indirect Discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs when a condition or requirement is imposed which, although applied equally to all individuals or groups, is such that:

•          the proportion of persons of a group who can comply with it is significantly smaller than the proportion of persons not of that group who can comply with it;

•          the Employer cannot show it as being justifiable based upon the needs of the job;

•          it is to the detriment of the individuals concerned because they cannot reasonably comply with it.

For example, a dress policy which prevents women wearing trousers discriminates against women of a particular race or religion; a higher language standard than is actually needed to do the job discriminates on the grounds of nationality/race; a training policy which excludes part-time staff may discriminate against women, who fill the majority of part-time jobs.

Rights of Disabled People

The Company attaches particular importance to the needs of disabled people. Under the terms of this policy, managers are required to:

•          make reasonable adjustment to maintain the services of an employee who becomes disabled, for example, training, provision of special equipment, reduced working hours. (NB: advise managers on the availability of funds from external agencies to maintain disabled people in employment);

•        include disabled people in training/development programmes;

•        give full and proper consideration to disabled people who apply for jobs, having regard to making reasonable adjustments for their particular aptitudes and abilities to allow them to be able to do the job.

Victimisation and Harassment

Discrimination by victimisation occurs when a person is treated less favourably than another because he/she had asserted his/her rights under the Acts relating to discrimination or had helped another person to assert those rights.

It is the Managing Directors responsibility to investigate all forms of harassment.

Managerial Responsibility

The responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation and operation of the arrangements will rest with the “CEO”. Where applicable, all other Directors shall ensure that they and their staff operate within the policy and arrangements, and that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to avoid discrimination. Again, as applicable, each manager will ensure that:

•        all their staff are aware of the policy and the arrangements, and the reasons for the policy;

•        grievances concerning discrimination are dealt with properly, fairly and as quickly as possible;

•        proper records are maintained

The Managing Director will be responsible for monitoring the operation of the policy in respect of employees and job applicants, including periodic departmental audits as applicable.

Responsibility of Staff

Whilst the responsibility for ensuring that there is no unlawful discrimination rests with the Managing Director, the attitudes of staff are crucial to the successful operation of fair employment practices. In particular, all members of staff should:

•        comply with the policy and arrangements;

•        not discriminate in their day-to-day activities or induce others to do so;

•        not victimise, harass or intimidate other staff or groups on the grounds specified in the policy statement;

•        inform their manager if they become aware of any discriminatory practice.

Related Policies and Arrangements

All employment policies and arrangements have a bearing on equality of opportunity. The Company policies will be reviewed regularly and any discriminatory elements removed.

Training

The Company will inform all staff of any changes to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, which may affect recruitment or working practices. Training will be provided for managers on this policy and the arrangements. Members and managers who have an involvement in the recruitment and selection process will receive specialist training.

Monitoring

The Company is committed not to discriminate and assumes that this will be translated into practice consistently across the organisation as a whole. The Company will carry out an annual assessment of the Policy to review the extent to which recruitment to first appointment, internal promotion and access to training/development opportunities have affected equal opportunities for all groups.  The Company for future use may record information from this assessment. Information collected will be treated as confidential and it will not be used for any other purpose.

Grievances/Discipline

All employees have a right to pursue a complaint concerning discrimination or victimisation via the Company Grievance or Harassment Procedures. Discrimination and victimisation will be treated as disciplinary offences and they will be dealt with under the Company Disciplinary Procedure.