There is a story in today’s Guardian concerning the inequitable inequalities which are being dredged up from the darkest recesses of Labour’s Equality and Human Rights Commission.Apparently, the very body which was established by Tony Blair to promote human rights and tackle discrimination has itself been subject to 15 employment tribunals in which it has been accused of sexism, racism and discriminating against pregnant women.
And the Commission’s chairman, Trevor Philips, himself presently stands accused of being in contempt of both Houses of Parliament over allegations that he attempted to influence three members of Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights who were conducting an inquiry into the watchdog.
According to The Guardian, Mr Philips ‘has instructed lawyers to clarify his position’, doubtless also at the expense of the taxpayer.The EHRC has faced legal battles with 12 employees – some with more than one complaint – who have accused it of racial, religious and sex discrimination.
The employment tribunal figures were released by the equalities minister, Maria Eagle MP, in response to a parliamentary question tabled by Stewart Jackson MP, Shadow Minister for Communities. In summary: out of 15 cases, at least six were withdrawn, two were dismissed at trial, and others were ‘settled’ out of court (doubtless also at the expense of the taxpayer). Two are ongoing.
Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst of 12 October 2009, Official Report, column 31W, on the Equality and Human Rights Commission: industrial disputes, what the outcome was of each of the 15 employment disputes that were taken to an employment tribunal; and what the grounds of the dispute were in each case, anonymised where necessary. [312052]
Maria Eagle: The information requested in relation to the 15 employment disputes made by Equality and Human Rights Commission employees or recruits since the opening of the Commission in October 2007 is provided as follows:
1. Alleged less favourable treatment on grounds of transgender status, breach of statutory grievance procedure, breach of contract and unfair dismissal. Withdrawn.
2. Alleged race and sex discrimination. Claims dismissed at tribunal.
3. Alleged race and sex discrimination. Withdrawn.
4. Alleged sex discrimination, breach of Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) and statutory grievance procedure and personal injury. Settlement agreed at tribunal.
5. Alleged constructive dismissal. Settled.
6. Alleged unlawful deduction of wages and breach of contract. Withdrawn.
7. Alleged race discrimination. Withdrawn.
8. Alleged constructive, unfair and wrongful dismissal. Withdrawn on agreed terms.
9. Alleged failure to consult under TUPE. Withdrawn.
10. Constructive dismissal. Settled.
11. Alleged less favourable treatment on grounds of pregnancy. Dismissed at tribunal. Claimant has appealed.
12. Alleged race and religious discrimination. Not yet heard.
Hansard, 25 Jan 2010 : Column 556W
Bizarrely, the EHRC insists: ‘The commission is working to uphold the highest standards of employment practice and prevent discrimination. We are proud of our diverse workforce and the opportunities we provide for our staff to progress. Twelve employees have lodged employment tribunal claims against the commission and, with cases involving two employees still outstanding, we have not lost a case.’
So, basically, even though the Equality and Human Rights Commission have faced 15 allegations of iniquitous treatment of employees in which their human rights have been systematically 'left outside the (office) door', they remain proud that they offer their ‘diverse workforce’ continuing professional development which includes an intensive course in Employment Tribunal litigation.
All, of course, at the expense of the taxpayer.
It is to be hoped that this absurd Marxist quango will be the first to be abolished by the Conservative Party. It is one thing to face 15 serious allegations from oppressed and dispossessed lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, disabled, pregnant, black and minority ethnic employees. But it is quite another to issue a statement which discriminates against the intelligent and treats us all as retarded idiots.
