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Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is comprehensive legislation in the United Kingdom that consolidates and simplifies previous anti-discrimination laws. It aims to protect individuals from unfair treatment and promote a fair and more equal society by addressing discrimination, harassment, and victimization across various protected characteristics.

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Previous Anti-Discrimination Laws Consolidated by the Equality Act 2010​

Before the Equality Act 2010, UK anti-discrimination laws were spread across multiple pieces of legislation. Some of the key laws it replaced include:

  • Equal Pay Act 1970
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975
  • Race Relations Act 1976
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)
  • Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
  • Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
  • Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
  • Equality Act 2006 (Part 2)

Key Takeways​

The Act identifies nine protected characteristics:​

  1. Age​
  2. Disability​
  3. Gender reassignment​
  4. Marriage and civil partnership​
  5. Pregnancy and maternity​
  6. Race​
  7. Religion or belief​
  8. Sex​
  9. Sexual orientation​

The Act prohibits various forms of discrimination, including:​

  • Direct Discrimination
    • Treating someone less favorably due to a protected characteristic.​
  • Indirect Discrimination
    • Implementing policies or practices that, while neutral on the surface, disproportionately disadvantage individuals with a protected characteristic.​
  • Harassment
    • Unwanted behavior related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.​
  • Victimization
    • Treating someone unfairly because they have complained about discrimination or supported someone else's complaint.​

Duty to Make Reasonable Adjustments​

  • Employers and service providers are required to make necessary changes to remove barriers for disabled individuals, ensuring they can access services and employment opportunities effectively.​

Public Sector Equality Duty​

  • Public bodies must consider how their policies and decisions affect people with protected characteristics, aiming to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

Full Documentation​

  • The complete text of the Equality Act 2010 is available on the UK legislation website:​ Equality Act 2010

Additional Resources​

  • The UK government provides detailed guidance on the Equality Act 2010, offering insights into its application and implications:​ Equality Act 2010: Guidance
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) offers comprehensive resources and guidance on the Equality Act, including practical advice for individuals and organizations:​ Guidance
  • Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) provides guidance on discrimination law in the workplace, helping employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities:​ Discrimination at work: Discrimination and the Equality Act 2010