The proposal to extend positive action law captured the imagination of the press more than anything else in the single equality bill. This aspect of the legislation will require careful implementation if the government wants employers to make use of it.

Don’t we already have positive action legislation in the UK?
Yes, in specific circumstances. It differs across various discrimination strands. Legislation allows organisations to provide training for, or place job adverts targeted at, minority groups. The aim is to encourage under-represented candidates, thereby increasing the diversity of the candidate pool.