The Equality Act (2010) prohibits discrimination (whether direct or indirect) against people who possess one of the protected characteristics, listed above. It also prohibits the harassment and victimisation of such people. It covers the following protected characteristics:
The Act extends some protections to characteristics that were not previously covered, and also strengthens particular aspects of equality law.
The Act also places obligations on the public sector to advance equality and contains detailed provisions relating to transport for disabled persons, placing obligations on employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to cater for disabled persons.
Direct discrimination takes place where a person treats another person who has a protected characteristic less favourably than he or she treats or would treat others not possessing the protected characteristic. The following types of conduct will amount to less favourable treatment:
Certain conduct which on the face of it would amount to direct discrimination is, however, permitted by the Act. The Act, for example, permits the following conduct:
Indirect discrimination occurs where a provision, criterion or practice is applied which is discriminatory in relation to protected characteristic. This includes conduct which is applied or would apply to persons who do not share the characteristic in question and conduct which puts or would put a person possessing a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage.
Conduct which can be shown to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim is, however, permitted.
The provisions contained in the Act relating to indirect discrimination do not apply to the protected characteristics of pregnancy and maternity.
Harassment occurs where a person is subjected to unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating his dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for him. This can include unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or that is related to gender reassignment or sex.
The provisions contained in the Act relating to harassment do not apply to the protected characteristics of pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Victimisation occurs where a person is subjected to a detriment by reason of the fact that he has (or it is believed that he has or may) carried out one of the following acts:
However, the giving of false evidence or information, or the making of a false allegation is not protected by the Act if it is given or made in bad faith.
The Act covers a wide range of circumstances and contains detailed provisions prohibiting discrimination, harassment and victimisation in the following situations:
The Equality Act (2010) harmonises and replaces previous legislation (such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995).