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In SchoolsAn equal opportunities policy operates in every schools to ensure that all pupils have access to careers education and guidance programmes and advice. This takes into account the needs of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds and pupils with special educational needs. The careers process also recognises the importance of gender issues within its framework.
Though cultures and abilities vary within many school environments, learning about the world of work is appropriate for all children. All pupils are involved in careers activities. It may be necessary to adapt certain materials to meet the needs of some pupils with special needs or to provide extra support in terms of staff.
If a pupil has a statement of special needs, staff, parents and other professionals meet annually to discuss the pupil's progress and draw up a plan for the coming year. At the first annual review following the pupil's fourteenth birthday a careers adviser may be present at the meeting. There are specific initiatives and programmes within most areas for people with disabilities and the careers adviser will be aware of these.
In employment or training
An equal opportunities policy extends to all areas of work and training. All industries are keen to attract a full range of suitable applicants to their workforce and have a positive policy towards people with disabilities.
The following Acts of Parliament have been passed to ensure equal opportunities are recognised:
The Race Relations Act
This act makes discrimination on grounds of race, colour, nationality or ethnic origins unlawful in employment, training and related matters in education.
The Sex Discrimination Act
The Sex Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of sex, except under certain precisely defined conditions.
Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts
These Acts recognise the rights of disabled people in terms of employment. Most companies operate a quota scheme. In real terms this means that a percentage of the workforce they employ (at least 3%) must be registered disabled persons.
