Equality and Diversity

The Company recognises that discrimination is not only unacceptable, it is also unlawful. The Company aims to ensure that no job applicant or employee is discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on any unlawful grounds.

All job applicants will be considered solely on their ability to do the job. Interview questions will not be of a discriminatory nature. All promotions will be made on merit in line with the principles of the policy. Employees who have a disability will receive the necessary help, within reason, to enable them to carry out their normal duties effectively.

This policy will be assessed at regular intervals to ensure that equality of opportunity is afforded to all employees.

The Company will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying.

The purpose of this policy is to inform employees of the type of behaviour that is totally unacceptable and to explain what solutions there are for employees who may suffer harassment or bullying.

The Company intends to provide a neutral working environment in which no one feels threatened or intimidated.

Harassment is a discriminatory act and is also a criminal offence. It is very difficult to define as it can take many forms, but in the main, it takes the form of unwanted behaviour by one employee towards another, for example:

• Patronising or belittling comments.

• Comments about appearance/body/clothes.

• Leering or staring at a person’s body.

• Unwelcome sexual invitations or pressure.

• Promises or threats, concerning employment or conditions, in exchange for sexual favours.

• Displaying offensive or sexually explicit material.

• Touching, caressing, hugging or indecent assault.

Please remember the test is that the behaviour is UNWELCOME, UNINVITED AND UNRECIPROCATED.
Bullying is also difficult to define. Obvious examples are:

• Threats of or actual physical violence.

• Unpleasant or over-repeated jokes about a person.

• Unfair or impractical workloading