BUSINESSES that have made efforts to stamp out discrimination and prejudice in the workplace are being recognised in this year’s North-East Equality Awards.

The awards, launched today, commend and celebrate good practice being carried out by employers, training providers and individuals from across the region who have taken steps to stamp out discrimination in the workplace and to recruit people from all walks of life.

Organised by Equality North-East, and run in partnership with The Northern Echo, the awards are in their sixth year, and have grown each year since their launch in 2004.

Liz Reay, chief executive of not-for-profit organisation Equality North-East, said that with the Equality Bill presently making its way through Parliament and due to enter the statute books by early 2011 as the Equality Act, the need for companies to look at their equality practices has never been greater.

Companies across the region are being urged to join the likes of Darlington-based engine maker Cummins and the North-East Chamber of Commerce in promoting equal practices and winning a North-East Equality Award.

Ms Reay said that as well as the prestige of being an award winner, it also makes good business sense as a positive endorsement of a company and its workforce.

“More and more employers are recognising that good equality practices are actually good for business, particularly during these tough economic times, and this good practice needs to be celebrated and showcased,” she said.

“We are now in the sixth year of the awards, and each year they have become bigger and better. We hope this year is the biggest and best yet.”

There are nine awards open for entry:

● Employers of between 51 and 250 staff;

● Employers of up to 50 staff;

● Learning providers of up to 50 staff;

● Colleges and learning providers of over 50 staff;

● Outstanding contribution by a larger organisation;

● The TUC unionlearn award;

● Individuals who have made a difference;

●Smarter working practices;

● Work/Life balance achievement.

To enter any of the categories, visit equalityne.co.uk/awards before the closing date of Monday, June 29.

The winners will be commended in a ceremony at the Gateshead Hilton on Friday, October 23.