The Equality Act 2010 is a key piece of legislation that protects everyone in the UK. It is an important document that employers need to ensure that they are aware of and that they follow closely to help ensure that they are protecting their employees. If an individual felt they were being treated unfairly in accordance with this act they may have grounds for a Constructive Dismissal Claim that they could undertake through a company like https://www.employmentlawfriend.co.uk/constructive-dismissal.
The Act protects individuals against discrimination of a number of what is known as protected characteristics. These characteristics are what make us up as individuals and it is unlawful to treat an individual differently or discriminate against them as a result of any of these. There are 9 protected characteristics and these are:
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Reassignment
- Marriage and Civil Partnership
- Race
- Religion or Belief
- Pregnancy and Maternity
These characteristics are protected from discrimination in a number of different areas of life such as your employment, public transport, using public services, using businesses and other organisations, when you join a club or association and when you are working with or have reason to contact any public bodies and organisation like local authorities and councils.
There are a number of different ways that a person can experience discrimination and these can include direct and indirect discrimination as well as victimisation and harassment.
