UTV is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all employees and job applicants. All employees and job applicants will be treated fairly and selection for employment, promotion and training will be based on an individual’s aptitude and ability irrespective of:

• Gender, marital or family status
• Religious belief or political opinion
• Disability
• Age
• Nationality
• Race or ethnic origin
• Sexual orientation

UTV is committed to the promotion of Equality of Opportunity by:

• Preventing any form of direct or indirect discrimination or victimisation
• Promoting equal opportunities for women and men
• Promoting equal opportunities for people of all religions and none
• Promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities
• Promoting equal opportunities for ethnic minorities
• Promoting equal opportunities for people of different sexual orientation
• Promoting a good and harmonious working environment where all men and women are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment will be tolerated
• Fulfilling all legal obligations under the relevant legislation and associated Codes of Practice
• Taking any necessary positive/affirmative action, including setting goals and timetables
• Promoting equal opportunities for people regardless of age

To ensure the effective implementation of this policy UTV:

1. Has allocated responsibility to a Senior Manager: M Regan, Group Human Resources Director
2. Makes the policy known to all employees and job applicants and displays the statement on notice boards
3. Accepts the need for openness in all matters of equality and will consult with staff representatives on matters relating to the effective implementation of this policy
4. Expects employees to share responsibility for the preservation of the Company’s reputation for harmonious and effective working relationships
5. Maintains a good and harmonious working environment which no employee feels under threat or intimidated because of religious belief or political opinion, eg prohibits the display of flags, emblems, posters, graffiti or the circulation of materials or the articulation of slogans or songs which are likely to give offence to, or cause apprehension among, particular groups of employees
6. Ensures that appropriate and regular training is given to all employees with regard to equality of opportunity
7. Ensures that breaches of this policy are dealt with under the Company’s Disciplinary Procedure
8. Ensures managers and supervisors are aware of their responsibilities and are appropriately equipped through training and development initiatives
9. Ensures that any employee who believes that they have suffered any form of discrimination, harassment or victimisation is aware that they can raise the matter through the Company Harassment Policy and Procedure and that such complaints will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially
10. Will make every effort to ensure that employees making complaints will not be victimised and will regard victimisation as misconduct which may lead to disciplinary action

Monitoring/Review

UTV commits itself to review the effectiveness of this policy annually. The monitoring will be in terms of the collection and analyses of statistical data relating to employees and job applicants, monitoring workforce composition and undertaking periodic reviews as required by Article 55 of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998. UTV will also monitor the implementation and effectiveness of any affirmative/positive action programmes.

John McCann
Group Chief Executive

23rd February 2006