The Equalities Bill is to go before the House of Commons later today.

The bill, which will require all public bodies to provide evidence of how they are closing the pay gap and providing equal opportunities covering gender, age, race, religion and sexual orientation, will have major implications for recruiters, says Tom Hadley, the REC’s director of external relations.

“The publication of this long-awaited bill has two major implications for recruiters. The first priority is to ensure that the industry is aware of what the bill actually means in practice. Although the bill is meant to be a simplification of existing regulations, there will be a number of additional measures for example regarding gender pay gaps.

“The other priority for recruiters is to look at the potential opportunities that the increasing focus on diversity and equality could provide. The bill will put more onus on the public sector to deliver enhanced diversity and it is likely that private sector organisations will also continue to raise the bar.”