Intellect believes that the Bill will help combat skills shortages in the sector and raise the number of female employees it recruits. It also approves of the removal of the salary 'gagging' clause as it may encourage private sector firms to implement equal pay audits.

However, the Bill is proving to be a sore point for private firms bidding for public sector contracts as they may have to reveal salary structures and the number of disabled and ethnic minority employees in their workforce. This move could affect businesses such as contract caterers, according to caterersearch.

Additionally, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has expressed concern about the effects of positive discrimination on the recruitment industry.