A SCHEME to stamp out unlawful sexual discrimination within West Mercia Constabulary has been introduced.

The gender equality scheme, introduced for the first time within the force, is a response to the Equality Act 2006 and will address inequalities in the workplace.

Under the scheme, the constabulary, including all officers and staff, has a legal duty to eliminate unlawful sexual discrimination and harassment and to promote equality of opportunity between men and women.

Equality will be actively promoted through steps such as carrying out recruitment processes fairly, viewing requests to work flexible and part-time hours equally and promoting rights for parental leave.

The scheme also covers the welfare of transsexual staff and the force will be reviewing all of its employment policies and procedures to ensure they adequately cover transsexual employees.

West Mercia's scheme was created in consultation with interested groups and individuals from within the force and with people in Worcestershire along with Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Superintendent Andy Parkes, head of diversity for West Mercia Constabulary, said: "The gender equality duty is the biggest change in the sex equality law in the last 30 years and the force welcomes it as a powerful tool."

The gender equality scheme is available on www.westmercia. police.uk or by contacting Helen Danks on 01905 747075.