New Equality Advisory Service is launched
Minister for Women & Equalities
A new advisory service that provides a range of help for people who feel they have been unfairly discriminated against was formally launched today (15th November 2012) by Minister for Women and Equalities Helen Grant. The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) is designed to offer bespoke advice and targeted support on issues of discrimination to those who need it most. Where possible the new service seeks to resolve issues informally, but can also offer referrals to mediation or conciliation services, or help to start a legal claim if necessary. Helen Grant said: “Discrimination has no place in modern society, but sadly we know it still exists. It’s vital that people experiencing unfair treatment can access the right help and support to resolve issues quickly.
“The EASS offers a range of targeted assistance with a focus on seeking informal solutions wherever possible. Over the first month the new service has received numerous calls and I would like to thank all our partners for their help in supporting this important service, which I hope will go from strength to strength.”
Sitel, the leading global provider of customer care services, was awarded the contract for providing the EASS, which has been operating since 1 October.
About the EASS
The EASS has been providing expert information, advice and support on discrimination to individuals in England, Scotland and Wales since 1 October 2012. It is an improvement over the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) helpline it replaces, with longer opening hours, providing more active help and significantly better value for money. It focuses on prevention and informal resolution wherever possible. Where this is not possible or what the client wants, the new service offers referrals to mediation or conciliation service. For clients who need or want to seek a legal solution, it will help establish if they are eligible for legal aid and if not, help them find an accessible legal service, or to prepare and lodge a claim themselves. It is open 9am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. It is free to phone from landlines and soon from most mobiles. For details of how to contact the service please see the EASS website.
