Discrimination law revamp planned

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 22nd Apr 2008

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Plans for new laws to protect workers from discrimination on the grounds of age, sexuality, disability, race or religion have been unveiled. Although current laws stop people being sacked, there is nothing to stop Isle of Man employers refusing to recruit people on similar grounds.

The Department of Trade and Industry has launched a consultation on the draft bill. Trade Minister David Cretney said that discrimination was not common.

"While I welcome this next step for employment law on the island, I want any new legislation to be proportionate to the needs of the Island and its people and its businesses," said Mr Cretney. "I do not think that discrimination is a daily occurrence, but employees should be able to challenge behaviour that is not appropriate and have the backing of the law. That's why I've requested this consultation so that I can assess what the level of need is and what will work for the island."