Equal pay, age discrimination and socio-economic disadvantage are three of the issues targeted by the new Equality Bill.

The Equality Bill was published today, bringing together the 116 pieces of equality legislation to ensure it is consistent, understandable and easier for people to use.

The Bill, expected to come into force by autumn 2010, contains a series of measures to tackle entrenched inequalities including particular measures on equal pay, age discrimination and socio-economic disadvantage.

It intends to create transparency around pay to encourage employers to focus on the critical issue of why a significant pay gap remains in Britain nearly 40 years after the Equal Pay Act. A new duty to consider socio-economic disadvantage will encourage public sector bodies to focus on policies that address systemic blockages to social mobility for the most disadvantaged groups in society.

There are also proposals to outlaw discrimination against older people in the provision of goods, facilities and services, arguing policies affecting older people need to be made on the basis of objective evidence and each individual’s situation, not on assumptions based purely on date of birth.

Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Commission, today said the Equality Bill will 'remove the roadblocks to finding the talent to drive our economic recovery.

“In Britain we know the value of talent, innovation and creativity. Our recovery and future success depends on seeking it out and making sure everyone has an equal chance to take part and is not discriminated against because of out-of-date ideas about what people can achieve.

”This Bill is also about how everyone, from whatever background, can live wholly fulfilled lives – in their communities as well as workplaces. The Bill should help create ties that bind individuals and civic society. We all want to live in thriving communities that flourish economically and socially. We cherish our wellbeing alongside economic security.”

Harriet Harman, minister for women and equality, said: “Today we publish our tough new Equality Bill, promised in our manifesto, building on our actions over the past 10 years. It will make Britain a more equal place, and help us build a stronger economy and fairer society for the future."