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28 October 2010 / John Wadham
Issue: 7439 / Categories: Features , Public , Human rights
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New equality landscape

The Equality Act provides firm foundations on which to build for the future, says John Wadham

By rolling over one hundred pieces of legislation into the one practical, common sense law, and extending protection to all 61 million citizens of Great Britain, the Equality Act 2010 will help to create a firm foundation for a fairer society in which everybody has the chance to fulfil their potential.

For over 40 years British legislation has driven forward equality and enabled some of those who are mistreated at work or overlooked by public services to pursue justice through the courts. We have made some good progress in tackling the most acute examples of discrimination because individuals and organisations now know that they can be brought to account.

However, as the Commission’s recently published landmark report, How Fair is Britain? shows, chronic disadvantage and inequality persists. A child’s postcode at birth is a reasonable predictor of their lot in life as an adult and our choices and chances in life are still, to a great extent,

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Specialist tax expertise expands with partner appointment

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Firm strengthens corporate and capital raising specialism with partner hire

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Commercial disputes partner succeeds Robert Brodrick as chair of management board

NEWS
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Employers are being urged to prepare now for far-reaching employment law changes taking effect in January 2027
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
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