Ombudsman for Equality

Sanctions for neglecting equality planning

If an employer neglects the obligation to draw up a gender equality plan, the Ombudsman for Equality shall attempt by means of advice and counselling to make said employer responsible for drawing up the plan. If the employer, despite the instructions and advice, continues neglecting its obligation to equality planning, the Ombudsman for Equality may set a reasonable time limit within which the obligation must be met.

If the equality plan has not been drawn up within this time, the Ombudsman may place the matter before the Equality Board. The Equality Board may then request the employer to prepare the plan within a prescribed time. The Board may enforce its order by imposing a penalty of a fine. If the employer continues to neglect the obligation to draw up the equality plan, payment of the penalty shall be ordered by the Equality Board.