The owners of small firms will find it easier to understand equality law following the introduction of the new equality bill, according to officials.

Speaking at this week's London launch of Talent not Tokenism - a report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Trades Union Congress - minister for women Harriet Harman claimed the bill will "declutter and simplify" legislation.

"It is right that equality is underpinned by legislation, as well as by good practice," remarked Ms Harman.

"Successive governments have built a framework of equality laws which between them protect people from unfairness and discrimination on grounds of race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation and disability," she continued.

The minister went on to point out that the new bill will replace over 1,000 pages of legislation and around 100 other measures.

CBI director general Richard Lambert suggested at the same event that equality legislation should exist to support - not distract - employers who are already seeking to improve diversity in the workplace.

The bill is expected to be introduced during the next parliamentary session, which begins in November.

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