LAST Wednesday’s Queen’s Speech reiterated the Government’s commitment to passing the Equality Bill before next year’s General Election.

This is a large, complex and controversial proposed Act which will impact on many employers.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has embraced equality and diversity as part of everyday working practices, and we were delighted to pick up an award at last month’s North-East Equality Awards.

All the other winners that night would agree that a few minor changes to a company’s approach when it comes to equality can make a huge difference to both their staff and their customers.

There has been much criticism that the Equality Bill will add an unnecessary administrative burden to employers at a time of major economic pressures, and when they need to be free to focus on day-to-day business.

In addition, there are fears that a requirement for public bodies to consider a company’s equality and diversity practices when awarding contracts will make it even harder for smaller businesses to compete for public work.

These are very real issues and it is therefore right that we challenge the public sector to ensure that the way they introduce the measures in the Equality Bill does not unfairly harm business interests.

The NECC has been working with local authorities to ensure that the way they purchase goods and services in the future will positively reward companies with strong equality track records, and will work with those that do not to improve their practices.

Embracing forward-thinking equality and diversity practices can already bring real benefits to a business. Such practices mark a business out as being a positive employer, encouraging applications from the widest possible pool of talent and producing much higher levels of staff motivation and loyalty.

So there is also a challenge here for the private sector. Yes, some of the proposed changes mentioned above will take time for businesses to adjust to.

However, this also a real opportunity for employers to reassess the way they approach equality and diversity in order to make a positive difference to their company.

■ Jonathan Walker is a policy advisor at the North-East Chamber of Commerce.