The UK Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) could be subject to dramatic budget cuts of 68% which may result in effectively closing the commission and ending its advice services to the public. Proposals are being put forward to more than halve the number of staff, as well closing regional offices and ending the EHRC's helpline.
The EHRC currently enjoys an "A" status as a UN accredited National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). The severity of the budget cuts could put this status at risk, meaning that it would not be able to fully engage in the UN Human Rights Council or work on the committee tasked to link the work of NHRIs globally.
The Public and Commercial Services Union has announced that staff at the EHRC could strike over the proposed cuts, with its general secretary outlining that the staff are "prepared to fight to maintain a proper national equality and human rights body at a time when government cuts are making it more likely people will face discrimination and disadvantage".
Please click here to view their press release.
The UK Government is currently undergoing a consultation procedure which will run until 15 June 2011 on plans to reform the EHRC. It includes proposals to amend UK equality legislation and strip the EHRC of many of its key powers and duties. To view the government's Consultation Document in full please click here.
In Ireland, in 2009 the budgets of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Equality Authority were cut by 32% and 43% respectively. This led to a reduction in both staff numbers and work capacity. In a petition to the European Parliament, the Equality and Rights Alliance - campaigning that Ireland cannot afford cutbacks in equality and rights - looks at the impact of these cuts in detail.
In 2011, the IHRC's budget was cut by a further 12% and the Authority by a further 4%. With the proposed drastic budget cuts to the UK's equivalent equality and human rights body, a worrying precedent could be set for the State.