PREJUDICE in the workplace comes in many different shapes and sizes. But in future, workers who suffer discrimination on grounds of race, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation will be able to call on new Euro laws to protect them.

EU employment Ministers have just reached agreement on a new directive to outlaw discrimination at work. The deal followed a long-running battle by the British government to make the new EU directive workable, and, crucially, ensure it does not impose unnecessary burdens on business, schools, and other organisations.

The new laws will give disabled working people the same legal rights throughout Europe, as they currently enjoy in Britain. The directive will also end wasteful and unfair discrimination against older workers, particularly the over 50s.

The provisions on religion provoked some of the greatest controversy. Everyone agreed that people should not be denied employment opportunities on the basis of their religious beliefs. But there was real concern the directive would undermine the traditions of religious schools.

Our Ministers, though, fought tooth and nail for the right of church schools to show preference in employing teachers of the same faith. Eventually, we won the day -- much to the relief, I suspect, of religious schools in Bolton that have been in contact with me.

The new legislation will make the lives of working people fairer and more civilised. A fair workplace is a more efficient workplace. That must be good news for local employers and employees alike.

Gary Titley