THE UK faces potential exclusion from the United Nation’s human rights body due to its stance on transgender rights, prompted by lobbying from the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall.
A special review of the UK’s Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been initiated following complaints from trans rights groups, resulting in the removal of the EHRC’s “A Status” at the UN Human Rights Council.
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) will conduct the inquiry after the EHRC suggested defining sex as “biological sex” for legal clarity.
Baroness Falkner, the EHRC’s chairman, expressed disappointment in the investigation, attributing it to “targeted action by a group of campaign organisations”.
A downgrade to “B status” would limit the EHRC to observing international meetings, with no participation rights or the ability to submit documentation to the UN’s Human Rights Council.
Stonewall’s complaint to GANHRI in May accused the EHRC of actively harming trans people with its proposals on biological sex, alleging guidance that enabled greater exclusion of trans women from women-only spaces.
Falkner refuted these claims, emphasising the EHRC’s commitment to protecting rights.
NEARLY two out of every five employees in the UK are thinking about changing jobs by the end of 2024.
Many are looking for hybrid roles, authors of a key study have reflected.
Workspace provider Beyond conducted an independent survey involving 1,262 UK adults employed either part-time or full-time.
The findings revealed that 39 per cent of employees are contemplating a job switch in the next year, and 47 per cent of them cite the quest for a better hybrid work policy as a significant factor in their decision-making.
This inclination toward job changes has gained momentum in the post-COVID era.
Among those who have already changed jobs since the beginning of 2022, 43 per cent attribute their decision to seeking an employer with an improved remote or hybrid work policy.
A noteworthy 80 per cent of UK employees view the surge in flexible working as the most positive outcome of the pandemic, according to Beyond’s survey.
Currently, 36 per cent of UK workers are in roles requiring on-site presence, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and construction workers.
For those in positions where hybrid work is feasible, 44 per cent are engaged in a hybrid model (blending office and remote work), 30 per cent are working in the office full-time, and 22 per cent are entirely remote.
GLOBAL revenue from women’s elite sports is expected to surpass one billion pounds in 2024, marking a significant milestone, according to consulting & accountancy firm Deloitte’s latest study.
Projections indicate a figure of $1.28 billion (£1.01 billion), nearly double the 2022 total and a 30 per cent rise from the current year.
Deloitte’s Jennifer Haskel attributes this growth to increasing commercial value, investor interest, and the unique appeal of women’s sports as distinct from men’s elite sports.
Football is anticipated to lead in revenue, reaching $555 million (£439 million), followed by basketball at $354 million (£280 million).
Valuations for women’s teams are expected to surpass $100 million (£79 million), and broadcasters are likely to continue scheduling live coverage during prime-time slots.
“Women’s sport is on an impressive growth trajectory,” said Paul Lee, global head of technology, media, and telecoms research at Deloitte.
The surge in popularity of women’s football, driven by the success of teams like the English Lionesses, has resulted in increased attendance in the Women’s Super League and attracted investor interest in English clubs.
THE NORTH East Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses in the region to contribute to the Workplace Equity Commission, a national initiative by the British Chambers of Commerce.
To get information on equality, diversity, and inclusion practices, as well as the difficulties experienced by companies and regions in need of assistance, the commission has launched a request for evidence.
The collected data will inform policy recommendations to help businesses enhance their workplace practices, making it more accessible for diverse talent and supporting career progression.
As a means of eliminating gender inequality and realising everyone’s potential, the North East Chamber of Commerce highlights the significance of inclusive workplaces.
Under Gill Hunter’s direction at Square One Law, the commission will operate for a full year and publish its conclusions in 2024.
By organising roundtables to promote conversation, the North East Chamber of Commerce invites its members to become involved.
Within the framework of its larger policy agenda for a more robust and equitable North East, the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Forum is actively developing an inclusive economy.
THE BBC acknowledges the need for improved diversity within its ranks, following comments from Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake that the lack of Asian and black colleagues at the station was affecting his mental health.
It was widely reported in the national press yesterday when Arthanayake made the comments at a press diversity initiative.
A spokesman for the BBC told The Telegraph: “We want everyone who works at the BBC – and those considering a career with us – to know we are focused on creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.
“We believe we should be setting the highest standards on diversity, and we recognise that there is still more we could do, therefore we have clear plans in place to improve the diversity of our workforce.”
Arthanayake was speaking at a conference organised by the Journalism Diversity Fund which seeks to widen the pool of people working in the UK media.
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