Housing associations are failing to help disadvantaged minority ethnic communities by denying contracts to black-led building firms. In Constructing Equality: Housing associations and minority ethnic contractors, Bristol University School of Advanced Urban Studies says housing associations should monitor their use of ethnic contractors; at present they depend on their well established contacts with white-run firms. Lists of approved contractors need to be reviewed and smaller sub-contractors used. Contact Julia Mortimers, School for Advanced Urban Studies, on 0117 974 1117
COMMISSION FOR RACIAL QUALITY
In its eighteenth annual report, published on June 14, the Commission for Racial Equality presents the results of a Market Solutions attitude survey which shows increasing awareness of the CRE following a public education and advertising campaign run with Saatchi & Saatchi. The 1994 annual report highlights a number of case studies in employment and training where discrimination has taken place. Contact Margaret Michie, CRE, on 0171 932 5354
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION
Equal Opportunities Commission Chairwoman, Kamlesh Bahl, launched a new guidance document for employers on part-time staff, Part-time Workers, Not Second Class Citizens, along with the Commission’s 1994 Annual Report on June 29. Part-timers now account for a quarter of all employees in Britain and 80% are women. The EOC has also published a Code of Practice on Equal Pay, part of its National Agenda for Action. Contact Jill Chesworth, EOC, on 0171 222 1110
ANY SIGN OF A JOB?
Deaf jobseekers’ prospects of work are highlighted in a new video, released by the Department for Education and Employment on June 12. The British Sign Language video, Any Sign of A Job?, was launched by the Employment Minister Ann Widdecombe MP and is part of an effort to provide deaf and disabled people with information on job and training opportunities, and practical help, including interpreters at job interviews, as well as specialist jobsearch advice from the Disability Employment Advisers at local job centres. Contact British Deaf Association on 01228 48844 (voice or text)
ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION
Paul Preston, Chairman of the Employers’ Forum on Disability and Chief Executive of McDonald’s Restaurants, has welcomed the Disability Discrimination Bill currently going through Parliament. In his report for the year ended June 30, he says the Bill, which will outlaw discrimination and lay a duty on employers to make “reasonable adjustments” to the workplace, is a first in Europe. During the year membership of the Forum reached 135 companies, with Unipart among new entrants. Contact EFD on 0171 403 3020
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