The policy’s purpose is to:

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- provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time

- not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation

- oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities

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Apricity is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and guests, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. Not only because it is the fair thing to do, but we believe a diverse team brings more points of view to help us continually improve. The nature of hospitality is to make everyone feel special and welcome, and this is at the core of how we run our

business.

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The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. Due to the nature of some of the tasks in the restaurant, a level of mobility is required in certain roles which includes using the stairs. Where an individual can not access the stairs, if possible, alternative tasks and roles will be discussed.

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We are also committed against unlawful discrimination of our guests. All guests regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientiation are welcome to dine at Apricity. For guests that are unable to use the stairs, but would like to use the Chef’s Table, an alternative arrangement will be

made on the ground floor that will match the experience.

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Apricity commits to:

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- Encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and are fair ways to run business

- Creating a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.

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This commitment includes training managers and all other employees about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the organisation provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

 

- All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public 

- Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the organisation’s work activities.

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Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the organisation’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice.

Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

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- Make opportunities for training, development and progress available to all staff, who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the organisation.

- Decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).

- Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.

- Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality,

diversity and inclusion policy.

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Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

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The equality, diversity and inclusion policy is fully supported by senior management. Details of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be found in the employee handbook. This includes with whom an employee should raise a grievance – usually their line manager.

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Use of the organisation’s grievance and disciplinary procedures does not affect an employee’s right to make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discrimination.