Equality Bill

I agree with the speech we have just heard from the noble Lord, Lord Hunt of Wirral. In the old days trade unions were very often on the wrong side in discrimination cases and then it began to change. The Transport and General Workers’ Union under Jack Jones was conspicuous, as were the white collar unions, eventually overcoming prejudice in the craft unions, for example, on the basis of race. We are dealing with highly vulnerable groups. Trade unions are indispensable in standing up for the underdog and trying to redress some of the balance. Part 1 of the Bill refers to socioeconomic disadvantage; the trade union movement stands for removing it. Time off to allow trade union representatives to tackle inequality is extremely important. Although I agree that specific questions need to be dealt with, I totally support the object of the amendment.