Investigation and Enforcement

The Equality Commission can investigate the employment practices of any Northern Ireland employer at any time. Where the Commission considers that affirmative action is required to ensure fair participation, it may seek an undertaking from the employer that he will take such action. If an undertaking is not given or not complied with, the Commission can issue a legally enforceable direction. The Fair Employment Code of Practice provides detailed guidance for employers regarding their duties under the Order. Employers who are in default of the legislation through failure to register with the Commission or for not submitting monitoring returns face criminal penalties of up to £5,000 as well as economic sanctions - the loss of Government grants and exclusion from public contracts.