What is equality in the context of workplace legislation?
The state of being equal in value, status, treatment, rights, and opportunities
Equality ensures that individuals have the same rights and opportunities in the workplace.
Define discrimination.
Unfair, unjust, or prejudicial treatment of a person due to a characteristic they possess
Discrimination involves refusing to give a person their rights based on certain characteristics.
True or false: Discrimination must be intentional to be unlawful.
FALSE
Discrimination does not need to be intentional to be considered unlawful.
What are protected characteristics in discrimination law?
- Race
- Gender
- Physical disability
- Religion
- Mental disability
- Age
- Socio-economic factors
- Sexuality
- Appearance
- Pregnancy
- Marriage
These characteristics cannot be used against someone to treat them less favorably.
What does the Equality Act 2010 legally protect people from?
Discrimination
It protects individuals in the workplace and in wider society.
What is the purpose of the Equality Act 2010?
Sets out unlawful treatment and protects individuals from unfair treatment
Employers have a legal duty to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.
What is the Public Sector Equality Duty?
Requires public bodies to consider how their policies affect people with different protected characteristics
This duty is part of the Equality Act 2010.
The Equality Act 2010 covers people with protected characteristics when applying for a job, during employment, and _______.
Leaving employment
It also covers individuals in education, buying or renting property, and using everyday services.
True or false: Employers must make reasonable adjustments to allow equal access and opportunities for all.
TRUE
This is a requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
List the areas where the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination.
- Applying for a job
- During employment
- Leaving employment
- In education
- Buying or renting property
- Using everyday services
These protections ensure fair treatment across various aspects of life.
What is a protected characteristic related to age?
A person belonging to a particular age or within a particular age range
This characteristic ensures protection against discrimination based on age.
Define disability as a protected characteristic.
A person who has a physical or mental impairment
This includes conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities.
What does race encompass as a protected characteristic?
A person’s colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins
This characteristic protects individuals from discrimination based on their racial identity.
What are religion or belief as protected characteristics?
Religious or philosophical beliefs, including lack of religion or belief, that affect a person’s life choices and the way they live
This ensures individuals can practice their beliefs without discrimination.
What does it mean to be a particular sex in terms of protected characteristics?
Whether a person is, or is not, a particular sex
This characteristic protects against discrimination based on gender.
Define gender reassignment as a protected characteristic.
A person transitioning/transitioned from one sex to another
This characteristic protects individuals undergoing gender transition.
What is the definition of marriage or civil partnership as a protected characteristic?
A union between two people that has been legally recognised
This characteristic ensures protection against discrimination based on marital status.
What does pregnancy or maternity refer to in protected characteristics?
A person who is pregnant; also protected for 26 weeks after giving birth
This characteristic protects individuals from discrimination related to pregnancy and maternity.
Define sexual orientation as a protected characteristic.
A person’s sexual attraction toward their own sex, the opposite sex, or both sexes
This characteristic ensures protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
