Human Resources Division

The Law

Anti-discrimination and equality law in Great Britain dates back to the Race Relations Act 1965. This was followed by the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976. Since the 1970s further protection from discrimination in employment (including recruitment and selection process) and service provision has been made to outlaw discrimination because of Disability, Age, Religion or Belief, Sexual Orientation and Gender Reassignment.

In April 2010, the Equality Act received royal assent. This new Act replaces previous equalities legislation although 90-95% of the law remains unchanged. The new Act simplifies the law by creating an overarching framework for equalities. It does this by introducing the concept of ‘protected characteristics’, which includes nine groups, on which unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation is prohibited. The protected groups are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Race
• Religion or Belief (including lack of belief)
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation