Equal Access to Arbitration and Mediation Services Bill

This bill would require arbitration and mediation services to provide equal access to all users. Arbitration means settling disputes outside court with a neutral person making the decision. Mediation means helping people resolve disagreements through discussion. The bill would make it illegal for these services to discriminate against people based on protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, or religion. It would apply to both private companies and public bodies offering these services. The government says this will ensure fair treatment for everyone seeking alternative dispute resolution. Services would need to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users and provide clear information about their processes. The bill would give people legal rights to challenge unfair treatment and seek compensation.

• 1Makes discrimination illegal in arbitration and mediation services
• 2Covers all protected characteristics including race, gender, disability and religion
• 3Applies to both private companies and public bodies offering these services
• 4Requires reasonable adjustments for disabled service users
• 5Gives people legal rights to challenge unfair treatment and seek compensation