Equal

Equal is an initiative funded through the European Social Fund (ESF). The programme tests and promotes new means of combating all forms of discrimination and inequalities in the labour market, both for those in work and for those seeking work. Equal also includes action to help the social and vocational integration of asylum seekers.

Equal operates across identified thematic fields which embrace the four pillars of the European Employment Strategy and support for asylum seekers. Equal funds activities implemented by strategic partnerships called Development Partnerships (DPs). Each DP addresses one thematic field.

Equal encourages participation and transnational co-operation through partnership building across five priority areas which are closely focussed on key issues of concern in Britain. The programme helps to develop good practice that can enhance the delivery of mainstream UK and Structural Fund activity.

The Equal GB Community Initiative Programme (CIP) Plan 2000–2006 was approved by the European Commission in 2001.

The first round of Equal Development Partnerships was then launched, with 77 Development Partnerships in Great Britain and 8 in Northern Ireland. This first round ended in 2005.

A second round, with a further 100 DPs across England, Scotland and Wales, began in 2004. The DPs will now run for a period of 2–3 years.

Further background information on work undertaken on the Equal programme so far can be found on the Equal website, by clicking here.