New service to fight discrimination cases

INVERNESS-shire residents who feel they have been discriminated against in any way can now call on a new service for help.

Inverness Citizen’s Advice Bureau has recently appointed a discrimination officer to work at its Academy Street bureau three days a week.

Manager Alasdair Christie said: “In the past, an outreach worker would come up from Glasgow once a month.

“The new post, which is funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will run initially for a year.

“We have already been busy with inquiries from migrant workers.”

Mr Christie emphasised that the service is free and confidential, and is available for anyone who has suffered any form of discrimination.

He said: “We understand the fear and intimidation people can feel faced with the prospect of dealing with an employer or a large company when they feel they have been discriminated against.

“This could be on grounds of race, culture, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age.

“We can now offer a full service.

“The law has changed considerably in recent years to give greater protection against discrimination, but many people don’t know their rights or may need advice and support to use them.

“That’s where we can help. We want to do as much as we can to raise awareness of these rights and ensure everyone who can do benefits from them.”