Construction Council to debate effects of Discrimination Law on the industry

Monday 17 February 2014

The Jersey Construction Council is launching its annual industry seminar series with a debate on the Island’s incoming Anti- Discrimination Law.

The States finally approved the law - will make it illegal to discriminate against people based upon race – in May 2013, 13 years after it was first proposed. It is due to come into effect from 1 September this year.

As the new legislation is wide-ranging - and will place new obligations on employers – the Council wants to make its members aware of their responsibilities. And, as the law will not just be limited to the workplace, and will, but will also apply to those providing goods and services to third parties, they feel it is important that businesses are fully aware of all aspects of this new law.

The Jersey Construction Council (JeCC) represents the fourth most important industry in the local economy with over 5,300 employees employees. This equates to one person in every ten of the working population who depend on construction for their livelihood.

The membership includes large construction and development companies, small-scale builders and industry specialists, builders’ merchants and suppliers, architects, lawyers and chartered surveyors.

The first seminar takes place at the Radisson Blu Hotel from 7.30 am on Thursday 20 February. Speakers on the panel have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the implications for business of this change in the law.

The panel will be led by specialist employment and discrimination lawyer, Advocate Helen Ruelle of Mourant Ozannes.  She will be joined by Patricia Rowan, Senior Advisory and Conciliation Officer at JACS and Malcolm Ferey, Chief Executive of the  Citizens Advice Bureau.

Tickets can be booked online from http://www.eventbrite.com/o/jersey-construction-council-2564021386