Is there a Discrimination Act in the UK?The Equality Act 2010 covers people in Great Britain. So let’s start by defining who’s included:
- Great Britain / Britain
This includes England, Scotland, Wales and their associated islands. It does not include Northern Ireland - The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland / UK
This refers to the political union between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - British Isles
This refers to the geographic islands of Great Britain and Ireland, and the islands around their coasts (roughly 5,000 of them)
The Equality Commission has called for reform, because people in Northern Ireland currently have less protection against racial and disability discrimination and harassment than other people in the UK. However, people in Northern Ireland do have protection against political discrimination under The Fair Employment and Treatment Order (Northern Ireland) 1998.
We have offices in Belfast, Leeds, London and Newcastle, and support employees across the whole of the UK.
Q. What are the four types of discrimination?
There are four main types of discrimination.
- Direct discrimination: People at work shouldn’t treat you worse than someone else because of a protected characteristic
- Indirect discrimination: Your employer should not implement a rule, policy or process that puts you at a disadvantage because of a protected characteristic
- Harassment: Your employer should not allow a hostile, degrading or humiliating environment where people at work upset you, offend you or violate your dignity
- Victimisation: People shouldn’t treat you unfairly because you are taking action under the Equality Act or supporting someone else to do so
Q. What are the nine protected characteristics?
There are nine protected characteristics. As its name suggests, the Equality Act means you should not be treated any differently from anyone else based on:
- How old you are
- Whether or not you’re disabled
- If you’ve had gender reassignment
- Your marital or civil partnership status
- Being pregnant or on maternity leave
- Your race
- Religion you follow or beliefs you hold
- Your sex
- Your sexual orientation
Is there a Discrimination Act in the UK: Related reading
For further information about this topic, you might find our other articles useful:
- Is there a Discrimination Act?
- Your rights at work. Simple guide to discrimination and mental health
- Racial discrimination. Have you been harassed?
- Being pregnant. Discrimination at work
- Our expert advice on being dismissed due to ageism
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