Coronavirus (COVID-19) - prolonged home working for Scottish Government staff: equality impact assessment

Who will it affect?

The policy will impact directly on SG Staff, tenants, wider public bodies, contractors, service providers and visitors to the Scottish Government buildings.

In carrying out this assessment, the Scottish Government is mindful of the three needs of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED): eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not; and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

While the measures in place may positively impact on one or more of the protected characteristics^[1], they may have a disproportionate negative impact on one or more of the protected characteristics. Where any negative impacts have been identified, we have sought to mitigate or, where possible, eliminate these. Our equality duty is not limited to negating or mitigating negative impacts however, and we also have a positive duty to promote equality.

While it is the view of the Scottish Government that any remaining impacts are currently justified and a proportionate means of helping to achieve the legitimate aim of reducing the public health risks posed by Covid-19, the Scottish Government also recognises that these measures are only required to respond to the current set of circumstances. They are only necessary as long as the potential benefits justify any negative impacts caused.