http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4230861

Crackdown on 'Macho' Workplaces Welcomed

By Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent


Union leaders today welcomed Government moves to crack down on
discrimination in the workplace as giving a "welcome boost" to
the rights of
working women.

Equality Minister Jacqui Smith published a consultation on outlawing sexual
harassment in employment training and updating the Sex Discrimination Act to
include discrimination against pregnancy and maternity leave.


"No one should be discriminated against because of their sex. It is
unacceptable in modern Britain. I want to see fair and equal treatment for
everyone and this consultation is an important step in helping us reach that
goal.

"Our aim is to make it easier for both employers and individuals to
understand what the law requires, helping to contribute to a fairer
workplace where everyone receives fair and equal treatment," she said.

The aim is to implement a European Directive which promotes the equal
treatment of men and women in training.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber welcomed the announcement, adding:
"Work for many women still means they lose out in the pay stakes, get
treated unfairly when they are pregnant and have to work in macho
environments where they are subjected to material and banter of an offensive
nature.

"I hope that the consultation process does not lead to a watering down of
the Directive, particularly when it comes to trying to prove sexual
harassment."

The consultation will run for 12 weeks.


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