Controversial equality bill to become law
Harriet Harman's controversial Equality Bill will now become law after completing the final stage of its passage through Parliament during the so-called "washing up" period where legislation is introduced before a general election.
The Equality Bill brings together existing anti-discrimination legislation into a single equality Act.
It will now be sent to the Queen for Royal Assent after MPs approved amendments made by the House of Lords - including protection against discrimination for pregnant schoolgirls and young mothers.
The ban on civil partnerships taking place in religious premises was also removed and provisions added that can be used to require political parties to publish anonymous information on the diversity of their candidates.
Lawyers believe that the new Equality Bill will dramatically increase the number of employment tribunals.
James Wilders, an employment partner at Dickinson Dees, which specialises in advising employers, said: "There will potentially be a big increase in equal pay cases over the next couple of years.
"We expect the trend of rising tribunal numbers to continue upwards over the next few years, and it may well accelerate due to various new employment law changes expected over the next few years."
Source: Recruitment Today