Clause 36
Equality Bill
4:45 pm
Mark Harper (Shadow Minister, Work & Pensions; Forest of Dean, Conservative)
There is broad support for the proposal. In our private discussions with business organisations, whether representing small or large businesses, and in the evidence that they gave during our evidence sessions, they were all relaxed about that approach. No issues were raised at all. Also, it works very well in the United States.
Given what the Minister said about the extensive research that the DWP is doing to see whether names give rise to discrimination, will she, at a suitable opportunity—perhaps she can write to us—answer this question? If the DWP is either currently doing or would commit to doing similar research, and if as a result there were some clear evidence that satisfies the Department—although the representations that we have had have been fairly unanimous—will the Minister be willing to consider tabling amendments on Report or in the other place? If that is the case, we will be suitably reassured.