Equality & Diversity

This document is a statement of JFW Construction Ltd’s policy for achieving equality of opportunity and access to services in all of its areas of business.

As well as accepting responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 relating to discrimination and equal opportunities, JFW Construction Ltd are committed to broad principles of social justice and implement a grievance procedure to deal with any complaints on discrimination. The service confirms that equal opportunities extend into its employment practices. It particularly recognises that many people are discriminated against and disadvantaged and that passive policies will not necessarily rectify this. JFW Construction Ltd will therefore actively pursue methods that are supportive and encouraging to those in such disadvantaged situations.

Framework

The policy applies to actual and potential employed staff and will be made known to applicants for all posts.

All sections of the community will have equal access to work offered and no applicant will receive less favourable treatment than another because of his/her colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, marital status, sexuality, age, religion or belief or responsibility for children or other dependants.

In order to combat indirect discrimination no conditions or requirements will be applied to any post, which would have a disproportionate adverse effect on any of the above groups. The only requirements to be applied will be those fully justifiable by the job.

Implementing the Policy

In implementing the policy JFW Construction Ltd especially recognises the different and special needs of groups of people who may experience discrimination.

Ethnic Minorities

JFW Construction Ltd is totally opposed to racism and will seek to combat any harassment or discrimination, which comes to its attention.

In renouncing all forms of harassment it confirms that any such behaviour will be a disciplinary matter. Active support will be given to clients suffering harassment. Racist behaviour or speech within the work environment will be challenged.

Men or Women

Being opposed to discrimination on the basis of sex, JFW Construction Ltd confirms that its employment practices must be geared to the needs of both men and women and must cater insofar as is possible for the responsibilities of children and other dependants.

JFW Construction Ltd will deal seriously with cases of sexual harassment, whether verbal or physical, by or towards staff or clients or members of the public.

Disabled People

JFW Construction Ltd recognises that discrimination on the grounds of disability may arise either intentionally or through ignorance. It will seek to educate its staff to appreciate and understand the wide variety of needs of the disabled. It will seek advice from specialist bodies where necessary especially in connection with the nature of work carried out and the restrictions caused by the construction work environment.

JFW Construction Ltd will take all practicable steps to provide the facilities required for the disabled, both staff and members of the public.

Sexual Orientation

JFW Construction Ltd recognises that homosexuals experience particular forms of discrimination. A person’s sexuality is not a matter to be taken into account in determining the suitability for a post nor will it be grounds for dismissal. JFW Construction Ltd will endeavour to provide an atmosphere which is considerate and supportive to lesbians and gay men, whether clients or staff.

JFW Construction Ltd will not tolerate any harassment of lesbians or gay men, whether verbal or physical, within the work environment by or towards staff or members of the public.

Religion/Beliefs

JFW Construction Ltd is opposed to any form of discrimination against a person’s religion or belief. JFW Construction Ltd will, where possible, cater for an individual religion or belief, in our employment practices. Any discriminatory comments regarding a person’s religion or belief will be challenged and dealt with accordingly.

Age

JFW Construction ltd is opposed to discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age. JFW Construction Ltd is aware of the benefits of a workforce, which offers a range of age groups and will not discriminate on the grounds of age. JFW Construction Ltd’s retirement age is that as laid down by statue. JFW Construction Ltd is aware of its responsibility for health and safety in the work place and will ensure that age is taken into account when allocating work and defining responsibilities.

Recruitment, Selection, Promotion and Training

The process of recruitment and selection for paid staff will be carried out to ensure that there is no discrimination directly or indirectly against any group.

The criteria for selection and progression shall be determined solely on the basis of the requirements of the job.

Persons responsible for recruitment, selection, promotion and the transfer of staff shall be provided with continuous training. Such persons must not ask questions which are either directly or indirectly discriminatory or about personal circumstances unless justifiable because of a particular job need. The responsible persons should only ask questions which are directly relevant to the role in question.

All members of selection and interviewing panels will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the company’s Equality and Diversity Policy. The company works towards achieving an ability-based workforce which is in line with the diverse population working within the relevant labour market areas.

Job applications and employees selected for training, promotion and transfer shall be periodically reviewed to ensure no applicant or employee is treated less favourably because of a Protected Characteristic.

Managers and supervisors shall ensure that they do not treat any colleague less favourably because of a Protected Characteristic by denying them promotion, training, or transfer opportunities or by applying criteria which disadvantages or prevents employees from applying because they cannot meet that criteria.

The company will:

• Provide the training required to implement this policy;

• Ensure that all employees will have direct access to training and development, regardless of whether they possess a Protected Characteristic;

• Provide choice, access and quality of services that meet the diverse need of all communities in which we work;

The company shall only ask health-related questions prior to offering a position in order to help in deciding whether the company will need to make any reasonable adjustments for the person to the selection process, or whether an applicant can carry out a function that is essential (intrinsic) to the job, or to monitor diversity among people making applications for jobs, or take positive action to assist disable people, or assure the company that a candidate has the disability where the job genuinely requires the jobholder to have a disability.

Positive Action

The company shall take positive action in recruitment and promotion where employees or job applicants who share a particular protected characteristic suffer a disadvantage connected to that characteristic, or if their participation in an activity is disproportionately low. Guidance on positive action shall be compiled and communicated throughout the company. Senior management shall ensure satisfactory implementation of this policy.

Conditions of Service

It is a condition of employment that all members of staff adhere to the equal opportunities policy. Behaviour, which breaches the policy, shall be regarded as a disciplinary matter. All employees of JFW Construction Ltd must accept a duty not to discriminate or to harass and to support those against whom such behaviour occurs.

Complaints

Complaints by employees shall be dealt with under the existing grievance procedure.

Complaints by members of the public shall be dealt with under the complaints procedure.

04/03/2025