More use must be made of powers to stop discrimination on the grounds of race, sex and disability in Scotland, according to a report.
The study found that Scotland’s commissions for racial, sexual and disability equality have under-used their extensive powers.
Researchers claimed that the bodies only investigated big test cases and did not use all of their legal powers.
Disability and equal opportunities bodies have criticised the report.
The report from the Public Interest Research Unit, a social research organisation, suggested that more work should be done to help individuals pursue discrimination cases.
It said individuals were left to fight their way alone through complicated legal procedures.
According to the survey of the eight powers that the Commission for Racial Equality Scotland, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission have to enforce non-discrimination, only one has been used once in the last seven years.
The study also said that Scotland’s local authorities could be used to enforce some elements of discrimination law.
Jim Mcleod, general secretary of Inclusion Scotland – a consortium of disability-led organisations – said: “The Public Interest Research Unit’s evidence supports what we believe and provides findings for (the reluctance to use enforcement powers).
“We have heard of a few cases where people are simply not being supported (by the relevant organisations).”
‘Incorrect perspective’
However, Lynn Welsh, head of Scottish legal affairs at the Disability Rights Commission, denied the claims.
She said: “I don’t think this is fair criticism. The report is exceptionally crude and looks at the numbers in a very simple way.
“We do always look at whether it’s appropriate to use all our powers. We are getting tough in court and we are out there spreading the message among disabled people.”
John Wilkes, director of Equal Opportunities Scotland, criticised the report’s “incorrect perspective” and said it did not paint an accurate picture of the work it carried out.
“It’s a very narrow view of what our enforcement powers are and we wouldn’t agree with the thrust of what they’re saying,” he said.
“We always consider whether our enforcement powers are the right tool to deal with it and sometimes they aren’t.
“Sometimes just contacting the employer can be enough.”
Mr Wilkes added: “EOC currently has two investigations against Royal Mail and MoD, so that didn’t seem to be captured in the report.”
Story from BBC