STATEMENT OF POLICY ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Employer will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity of employment. This policy aims to ensure that no employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on account of their:
- Gender
- Marital Status
- Religious belief
- Disability
- Race
- Ethnic origin
- Colour
- Nationality
- Political belief
- Sexual orientation
- Age
STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR DEALING WITH DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOUR
In pursuance of the Employer’s policy of equal opportunities for all employees, it is clear that conduct involving any discriminatory behaviour including the harassment of any member of staff for any reason is unacceptable. Harassment is any conduct, whether oral or written, related to age, creed, disability, nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or any other personal characteristics that is unwanted by the recipient, or any conduct based on the above characteristics which affects the dignity of any individual or group of individuals at work. Harassment may be persistent or an isolated incident and may be directed towards more than one individual.
Harassment is not only unwanted physical contact, assault or propositions. It also includes suggestive remarks or gestures, pin-ups, graffiti, offensive comments, jokes and banter (whether oral or written).
All staff should conduct themselves in a manner that is not discriminatory. Harassment will be regarded most seriously and will usually be treated as gross misconduct under the Employer’s disciplinary procedure. Harassment outside the workplace or outside working hours will be considered by the Employer as harassment if it affects the working environment.
All members of staff are expected to comply with this policy and to ensure that such conduct does not occur.
If an employee feels s/he is being harassed s/he should initially try to talk directly to the harasser. If the employee feels unable to do this, contact the Managing Director who will speak to the harasser about their unacceptable behaviour and remind him or her that if they persist formal disciplinary action will be taken, which may include summary dismissal for serious offences. Some types of harassment are classed as criminal offences which can lead to prosecution.
