Did you know that:

• 46% of people in the labour market are female
• In the 16-64 age group, two-thirds of women and over three-quarters of men are in employment
• 44% of women and 10% of men work part-time
• In 1970, when the Equal Pay Act was set up, the pay gap between the hourly rate of pay of women and men working full time was 36%. 30 years later, the gap remains at 18%
• In 2011-12 54% of Cornwall College students on long courses were female and as were 62% of Cornwall College staff members.
  

Gender is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Both men and women are protected under the Act. The Act requires the college to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination
• To promote equality of opportunity between women and men
• Improved access to services and more focus on the needs of service users
• Improved data collection and monitoring
• More effective targeting of resources
  

Useful websites:
 
Equal and Human Rights Commission
The Fawcett Society
Centre for the study of Women and Gender
Opportunity Now

Gender Reassignment Equality

Did you know that:

• It is said that there were currently about 50 people in Cornwall undergoing gender reassignment*

Gender reassignment is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

The Act provides protection against discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of gender reassignment. The definition of gender reassignment has been extended to cover people who have proposed, started or completed a process to change their sex but are not under medical supervision. (Equality Challenge Unit - Key Actions 2010)

People considering or undertaking gender reassignment encounter considerable prejudice and can often be isolated within their community. A Further Education College can give opportunities to lessen this isolation as advice on hair and beauty is often a sought after service. All the members of our hair and beauty staff in Camborne, Saltash and St Austell have received specific training in providing equality of opportunity to people who have decided on or are considering gender reassignment. We will continue to build on this expertise to promote understanding and inclusion.

Useful web sites and contacts
The Gender Trust

The Beaumont Trust

Kernow Katz a TG self-help support group in Cornwall which can be contacted on kernowkatz@gmail.com

Acknowledgments
*BBC Website ‘Cornwall transgender support group is formed’ 15th November 2011

Maternity and Pregnancy Equality

Did you know that:

• Babies born to women aged under 25 in England and Wales fell from 47% in 1971 to 25% in 2008 *
  

Maternity and pregnancy is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Whenever possible adjustments will be agreed between our staff and pregnant learners to ensure their safety and comfort whilst also encouraging achievement of their learning goals.

The same approach is taken in relation to childcare requirements. Quiet rooms can be booked for breast-feeding.

It is unlawful for you to be dismissed because you are pregnant or for reasons connected with your pregnancy or maternity leave. It is also unlawful for you to be denied access to holiday pay, sickness pay training or any other contractual benefit that all employees are entitled to.

Useful websites:
Acas

Equality & Human Roghts Commission

Acknowledgments

*Office of National Statistics