Equal treatment in employment and occupation. Employment Equality Directive

The European Parliament adopted the report by Thomas MANN (EPP/ED, Germany) on equal treatment in employment and occupation. Parliament made several amendments to the Commission's draft directive. The areas to which the directive will apply are expanded to include access to unpaid and voluntary work or official duties and access to social assistance. Reasonable adjustment should be made to guarantee equal treatment for people with disabilities so that they can participate in services and employment. Such adjustment would include changes in practices or procedures. Parliament provided that Member States will introduce into national systems provisions to ensure that public authorities keep statistics on everyone to whom this directive will apply. Member States need also provide for independent bodies to promote equal treatment. States may take account of an organisation's record on implementing the directive when awarding contracts. In public procurement tenders authorities may include demands that discriminate in favour of persons falling within the scope of the directive. There is provision for consultation with non-governmental organisations on drawing up reports on the application of the directive. �