Overview

This bill aims to prevent discrimination against members of the UK armed forces and their families. It strengthens existing laws by increasing penalties for crimes committed against service personnel, prohibits discrimination in employment and service provision, and provides additional leave entitlements for reservists.

Description

The bill makes several key changes to existing legislation:

• Increased Penalties for Crimes: The Criminal Justice Act 2003 is amended to treat crimes against service personnel and their families as aggravated offences, leading to harsher sentences. This includes extending protection to any relative, not just those specifically defined by the Armed Forces Act 2006.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 is amended to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on "status as a service person," extending protection to any relative, against discrimination in employment, goods, and services.
• Leave for Reservists: The Employment Rights Act 1996 is amended to grant reservists up to 14 days of unpaid leave for training purposes. This right does not apply to companies with fewer than 50 employees. A mechanism for resolving disputes via employment tribunals is also established.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase government spending. The increased penalties might lead to slightly higher costs related to imprisonment, but no figures are available in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Members of the Armed Forces: Benefit from increased legal protection against discrimination and crime, and reservists gain additional leave for training.
• Families of Armed Forces Personnel: Gain enhanced legal protection against discrimination and aggravated offences.
• Employers: Employers of reservists will be required to grant unpaid leave for training (excluding those with fewer than 50 employees). They are subject to potential employment tribunal claims for unreasonable refusal of leave.
• Businesses providing goods and services: Are subject to the prohibition against discrimination based on service personnel status.
• The Justice System: Will experience an increase in potential prosecutions for aggravated offences against service personnel and their families.

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