The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) emphasizes its commitment to the practical application of equality law in everyday situations, especially following the Supreme Court’s clarification of the definition of “sex” under the Equality Act in April. The EHRC has been active in ensuring that businesses receive clear guidance on how to comply with the law, which it considers a crucial part of its role.
Recently, the EHRC submitted an updated code of practice for service providers to the UK government, aimed at balancing user rights and preventing discrimination. This code is informed by feedback from over 50,000 organizations and individuals, including various businesses, to enhance clarity and practical applicability. However, the code cannot address every specific scenario or physical arrangement of premises.
As businesses navigate these changes, they may need to adjust policies or reconfigure facilities to comply with the updated guidelines. Although there may be initial costs associated with implementing these changes, the EHRC advises that the potential financial and reputational impacts of legal challenges in tribunals and courts should also be considered.
The EHRC clarifies that its role is not to create laws but to provide advice and uphold existing legislation. Compliance with the Equality Act is mandatory for businesses, and ensuring fairness and equality is beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/28/ehrc-guidance-will-help-businesses-comply-with-the-law-on-sex-and-gender