| Summary: | Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 99 per cent of enterprises in the United Kingdom, and account for 60 per cent of employment in the private sector, however previous research has shown that many SMEs possess no specific expertise on human resource practices or employment law. This could expose businesses to risk of grievances and employment tribunal claims, and result in unfair treatment for their workers. For these reasons SMEs were the focus of this research study. The aims of the research project were: 1) to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of SME employers in relation to their duties under the Equality Act 2010, for example ensuring individuals with protected characteristics are treated fairly in recruitment, promotion and employment, and 2) to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of SME employers in managing human rights issues in the workplace such as just and favourable remuneration, access to redress, working hours, and a safe working environment. This research provides useful insights for the business advice sector on the needs of the SME market to help SMEs meet their legal obligations and realise the business benefits of effective performance on equality and human rights issues.
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