17
(01) GFTU recognises that the Government’s spending cuts are hitting some The of society’s most vulnerable people hardest. The recent announcement on the “reformed” Equality and Human Rights Commission further demonstrates the Government’s lack of commitment to tackling discrimination and promoting equality. (02) Conference deplores the attacks on equalities and human rights represented by the severe cuts to the Equality and Human Rights Commission including a reduction in its budget from £70 million to £26.8 million (2014/15), loss of jobs, and changes to its duties which will amount to the closure of the EHRC as we know it. (03) EHRC plays an important role in enforcing equality legislation on gender, race, The disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and religion or belief. It also has a key role to play in promoting human rights, providing legal assistance and information and advice, conducting inquiries and the provision of grants to charities and community organisations. (04) These cuts will mean fewer people having access to equalities and human rights support and will strip further the ability of community groups and agencies to respond to the recession at a time when its services are increasingly in demand. The slashing of its functions will affect all workers and communities, but disadvantaged communities will be particularly hit. (05) GFTU condemns the drastic cuts to the EHRC and calls for a ‘future-proofed’ The commission, independent of Government, which is able to properly fulfill its statutory duties as directed by Parliament and relevant EU directives. (06) onference also calls on all affiliates to campaign against these cuts and to lobby C MPs to oppose these so called ‘reforms’.
Equality and Human Rights Cuts
Resolution 13
BGCM Resolutions 2013/2015 | GFTU