Equality and Diversity

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5. The Protected Characteristics

5.1. Age


The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because:

  • You are (or are not) a certain age or in a certain age group.
  • Someone thinks you are (or are not) a specific age or age group; this is known as discrimination by perception.
  • You are connected to someone of a specific age or age group; this is known as discrimination by association.

(Blackpool Council, 2024)

An age group can be quite specific, such as someone who is in their late 20's, or quite broad, such as over 60's. Specific terms can also indicate a specific age group, such as young person or pensioner for example.