The only situation in UK law when positive discrimination can occur is in the selection of parliamentary candidates. Here it is lawful for political parties to draw up ‘all-women shortlists’ to help ensure that a reasonable number of female candidates are elected to represent safe seats. Many commentators, however, argue that unless employers are permitted generally to discriminate positively in favour of minority or under-represented groups a truly equal society will never be created (see Fredman 2002). The problem, it is argued, is that discrimination law aims to promote ‘equality of opportunity’ rather than ‘equality of outcome’, and this is not sufficient to bring about radical social change. Some go as far as to argue that employers should be required to discriminate positively in certain circumstances.

What is your view about positive discrimination? Should the law be changed or should it remain as it is? Justify your answer.? LO1