The Equality and Human Rights Commission has updated its guidance on how organisations should apply the supreme court ruling on gender, after the government asked for changes to the original proposals submitted last year.
In a statement, the watchdog said it had revised what is formally known as the code of practice after receiving “feedback” from the government, as well as consultation responses and additional legal advice.
The move follows concern that the original version of the guidance could create a legal minefield for organisations trying to put the ruling into practice.
The EHRC’s role is to provide guidance on equalities law, and the code of practice is intended to help public bodies, employers and other organisations understand how to comply with the legal framework. The latest update suggests the commission has adjusted its approach in light of the concerns raised during the consultation process and by ministers.
The supreme court ruling on gender has prompted wider debate over how legal definitions and workplace policies should be handled. The EHRC’s guidance is likely to be closely watched by organisations seeking clarity on what the judgment means in day-to-day practice.
In its statement, the commission said the changes had been made after considering the government’s feedback, consultation submissions and further legal advice. No further details were included in the source about the specific amendments made to the code.
The updated guidance marks the latest step in an ongoing process to translate the supreme court decision into practical advice for organisations across the UK.
