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The Equality Bill sets out groundbreaking new laws which will help narrow the gap between rich and poor; require business to report on gender pay; outlaw age discrimination; and will significantly strengthen Britain's anti-discrimination legislation.

The Bill will simplify the law which, over the last four decades, has become complex and difficult to navigate. Nine major pieces of legislation and around 100 other measures will be replaced by a single Act written in plain English to make it easier for individuals and employers to understand their legal rights and obligations.

Despite considerable progress since 1997, inequality and discrimination still exist which is why the law needs to be strengthened.

• women are paid on average 23 per cent less per hour than men
• disabled people are twice as likely to be out of work
• people from ethnic minority backgrounds are nearly a fifth less likely to find work
• one in five older people are refused quotes for motor or travel insurance, or car hire

The Equality Bill is expected to come in to force from autumn 2010 (subject to successfully passing through Parliament).

The Bill will strengthen equality law by:

1. introducing a new public sector duty to consider reducing socio-economic inequalities
2. putting a new Equality Duty on public bodies
3. using public procurement to improve equality
4. banning age discrimination outside the workplace
5. introducing gender pay reports
6. extending the scope to use positive action
7. strengthening the powers of employment tribunals
8. protecting carers from discrimination
9. 0ffering new mothers stronger protection when breastfeeding
10. banning discrimination in private clubs
11. strengthening protection from discrimination for disabled people

Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, said: "Today we publish our tough new Equality Bill, promised in our manifesto, building on our actions over the last 10 years. It will make Britain a more equal place, and help us build a stronger economy and fairer society for the future.

"We will shine the spotlight in every workplace on the hidden pay discrimination against women. We will let employers have the right to choose to diversify their team - with positive action. And we will end the last lawful discrimination - which is against older people."

"But we know that inequality is grounded not just in gender, race, disability, age and sexual orientation - but also by class. Your family or the place you were born. So we will require public bodies when they make strategic decisions to help narrow the gap between rich and poor.

"If there are unequal societies marred by prejudice and discrimination, then people feel excluded, the economy does not flourish, communities feel resentful, so you don't have a society which is at ease with itself."

Further information

More details of the Equality Bill can be found on the Government Equalities Office website.

• Equality Bill Opens new window