employers will be able to entice unrepresented groups into the workplace.

The new bill, entitled the Human Rights Amendment Act 1994, would, if passed, allow employers to redress obvious racial and gender imbalances in their workplace.

Currently, an employer will run afoul of the Human Rights code if they use racial or gender classifications as a precondition of employment.

Unfortunately, a Government Minister said yesterday, this has led to circumstances where some workplaces are biased toward persons of certain ethnic heritages and genders.

Human Affairs and Information Minister, the Hon. Jerome Dill, told The Royal Gazette that the bill, which was introduced on Friday and could be debated within the next three weeks, included both Government and the private sector.

If passed, however, an employer who wishes to have a more inclusive workplace can target disadvantaged populations and offer them employment.

"We want to get rid of imbalances in the workplace,'' Mr. Dill explained.

"If there is a workplace that is all white and male and the employer wants a more multicultural mix and attempts to hire more blacks, this could lead to a breach of the current Human Rights legislation.

"This amendment (if passed) will allow an employer to redress this imbalance.'' Moreover, Mr. Dill said that along with the bill entitled the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality Act, the current human rights amendment would allow all those with a genuine interest to have a focus for their energies.

"There are those persons who are working and doing volunteer work in various organisations who want programmes and direction,'' he added.

Although the earliest the bill could be debated would be December 9, Mr. Dill promised that debate on both pieces would occur before the Christmas holidays.

When contacted at her home yesterday, Shadow Minister for Human Affairs and Information Ms Renee Webb, did not want to comment.