CALMAC MEET WITH COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES FOLLOWING LEGAL COMPLAINT
Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne today (Thursday, May 14,) met with
community representatives to advise them of recent developments regarding
ferry services on the Western Isles.
Chairman Peter Timms confirmed that the company has been approached by the
Equality and Human Rights Commission following a complaint to them
suggesting that CalMac are operating in breach of the Equality Act 2006 as
a consequence of its existing practice of not providing Sunday sailings on
some of the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services.
The company is required to operate within the terms of the law at all
times and CalMac directors have therefore sought independent legal advice
on whether it could be in breach. That legal advice has indicated that
CalMac is likely to be in breach of the 2006 Equality Act.
CalMac Directors are now considering the implications of this.
The company today began consulting with interested parties on how to
operate within the terms of the legislation. However, they have made clear
that no decision will be taken until the implications for operations have
been fully investigated.
Peter Timms, Chairman of CalMac said: "Although this is not a formal legal
challenge we cannot ignore the underlying claim that we may be operating
unlawfully. We have sought legal advice and it appears we are likely to be
in breach of the 2006 Act. As a result the CalMac board are now
considering the implications of this. We are keen to consult with
community representatives about how to operate within the terms of the
legislation and no decision will be taken until the implications for
operations have been fully investigated.”
