Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 replaced nine major Acts of Parliament and almost a hundred sets of regulations which had been introduced over several decades. It provides a single, consolidated source of discrimination law, covering all the types of discrimination that are unlawful. It simplifies the law by getting rid of anomalies and inconsistencies that had developed over time, and it extends protection against discrimination in certain areas.

The Equality Act 2010 lays out a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. It provides Britain with a discrimination law that prevents individuals from facing unfair treatment.

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected from discrimination:

• When you are in the workplace,
• When you use public services like healthcare (for example, visiting your doctor or local hospital) or education (for example, at your school or college),
• When you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas),
• When you use transport,
• When you join a club or association (for example, your local tennis club),
• When you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments.

The Protected Characteristics

It is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a pupil or prospective pupil by treating them less favourably because of their:

• sex
• race
• disability
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• gender reassignment
• pregnancy or maternity

Protected Characteristics