3.1 The Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. In the UK it is illegal to discriminate against anyone because of:

• age
• gender reassignment
• being married or in a civil partnership
• being pregnant or on maternity leave
• disability
• race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation.

These are called ‘protected characteristics’.

To explore these factors in more detail, you may find the OpenLearn course Diversity and inclusion in the workplace [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] a useful resource.

Next you will consider the importance of diversity and the benefits it brings to the workplace.