Equality and Diversity in Local Government Jobs
Local authorities have long been pioneers in the field of equal opportunities, espousing causes which seem commonplace now, but which were both daring and controversial in their day.
This article examines local councils' track record in the field of staff diversity, and asks if local government should still be regarded as a beacon of good employment practice, 25 years after the first equal opportunities laws came into force.
In the 1970s if you differed from convention in any way, you would expect a very hard time indeed in the workplace. Pregnant women were routinely sacked as soon as their condition began to show; married women were either not employed at all or demoted after having children, and single parents and gay and lesbian staff were persecuted.
Now, in many places attitudes have changed but progress has been negligible. But in most local authorities you can expect to find women and people from minority ethnic communities in positions of authority, and issues such as parenting status or sexual orientation have long ceased to be an issue at all. There is a seriousness and a commitment to the equalities agenda that is difficult to find in the private sector, and a sense that staff are judged purely on their merits.
Local authorities acquired special responsibility under equal opportunities law to ensure they set a positive example in their employment practices. 25 years later, they now have a new duty to ensure equality in all aspects of service delivery.
If you are interested in further information, try these links:
The Local Government Association
The Campaign for Race Equality
The Disability Rights Commission
NHS Careers
or contact your local Jobcentre, library or Citizens' Advice Bureau for further help.
Search for Public Sector jobs or visit Monster's Local Governnment Forum
