The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010.
The Act brings together all the previous laws which formed the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain. It sets out the personal characteristics that are protected by the law and the behaviour that is unlawful.
Who is protected by the Act?
Everyone in Britain is protected by the Act. There are 9 “protected characteristics” under the Act:
- Age
- Disability
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
For further information about the Act please click on the links below:
Guidance Note on the Equality Act (pdf)
Factsheet - Frequently Asked Questions on the Equality Act (pdf)
Guide - 'How to create an Equality Act compliant Equality Policy' (pdf)
