I AGREE with Liz Edge's letter calling for Equal Opportunities training to become mandatory for employees (Letters, August 9).

There is still a large amount of ignorance in the workplace about equal opportunity legislation, particularly the 2003 Act covering discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or religion/belief, and many employees are still facing harassment from colleagues and even management.

Thankfully, I work in an organisation which takes discrimination seriously and takes a proactive approach to combating it.

Unfortunately, many organisations, particularly the smaller ones, fail to tackle workplace discrimination.

Employers need to understand that they have a responsibility to tackle discrimination in the workplace and if they do not act they are liable to face legal action at tribunals.

I urge people who face discrimination to join a trade union, because the legislation is there to protect you and unions will ensure it is enforced.

Find out more about the various equality laws and how unions can help you on the TUC's website at www.tuc.org.uk

Andrew Collingwood,

Turners Croft,

York.

Updated: 11:32 Monday, August 16, 2004