Arbitration and Mediation Services Must Follow Equality Rules

This bill requires arbitration and mediation services to follow equality laws. Arbitration means private judges resolve disputes outside courts. Mediation means neutral people help parties reach agreements. Currently, these services may not have to follow the same equality rules as courts. The bill would make them treat all users fairly regardless of protected characteristics like race, gender, disability, or religion. The government says this will ensure equal access to justice. Some argue it could increase costs and reduce flexibility for private dispute resolution services. The bill would apply to services operating in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

• 1Arbitration and mediation services must follow equality laws
• 2Arbitration uses private judges to resolve disputes outside courts
• 3Mediation uses neutral people to help parties reach agreements
• 4Services must treat users fairly regardless of race, gender, disability or religion
• 5The bill applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland