A "landmark move" to protect people from discrimination on grounds of their social class is to be pioneered on Merseyside.
It comes as evidence suggests that the cost of living crisis will have the biggest impact on those already affected by inequality, including disabled people, women, people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and those living in deprived communities. Through its new Equality Strategy, the Liverpool Combined Authority is seeking to ensure people are not discriminated against because of their social class, with more than 40 actions to tackle inequality.
This is in addition to the nine "characteristics" protected by law including race, religion, gender, disability and sexuality.
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Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "When I was elected to this role, I promised that we would build the fairest, strongest and most socially-just place possible. A place where no one is left behind. It's disgraceful that - in 2022 - discrimination and prejudice are still rife in much of society. Every year that is reiterated by high profile events - from Covid 19, to the tragic murders of George Floyd and Sarah Everard. It is time to break that cycle.
"In the Liverpool City Region, we're taking firm action to tackle those inequalities head-on. We’ve funded numerous projects to try to level that playing field, from schemes to ensure that women and girls feel safe travelling on public transport to major projects that tackle racial inequality. It cannot be right that people's life chances are mapped out at birth, their entire lives decided because of who they are, where they were born or the size of their family's bank account.
"As a middle-aged white man, I know that my job is to listen: to learn, to amplify, and to supplement the efforts of those most affected. I am committed to ensuring that our city region leads the way and sets an example for others to follow. We've developed the Equality Strategy in partnership with those who are impacted by inequality. It is their voices and ideas that have helped to shape it. It is our commitment and our plan to help tackle inequality head-on and eliminate the disadvantages that people with protected characteristics, and people living in poverty, face."
The Equality Strategy was developed in partnership with employees, trade union representatives, residents, advisory panels and local authority partners. It sets out how it will make sure that people with the protected characteristics, as well as those disadvantaged by their socio-economic status, are not discriminated against in employment, when seeking employment, or when engaged in occupations or activities related to work.
