These Regulations, which are made under section 2(2)(a) and (b) of the European Communities Act 1972 and come into force on 1st October 2005, implement (in Great Britain) Council Directive 2002/73 EC of 23 September 2002 (“the Directive”) and include provision for matters arising out of or relating to such implementation. The Directive is concerned with the principle of equal treatment of men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions.