The Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 established the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) whose main duties were to work towards the elimination of discrimination, to promote equality of opportunity between sexes and to keep under review the workings of the Sex Discrimination Act and the Equal Pay Act 1970. The EOC helped large numbers of individuals bring cases to Employment Tribunals and to the courts. The EOC is now subsumed into the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. Google the act to find more information.
Powers
The EOC may:
Conduct formal investigations and issue reports.
Issue a non-discriminatory notice in any case of contravention of the Acts.
Bring proceedings in respect of certain provisions and seek a court injunction to restrain the repetition of an unlawful act
Commence a preliminary action before an industrial tribunal on behalf of an individual.
Give practical guidance and advice to persons who appear to have a complaint under the Acts.