The Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 covers everyone in Britain and is designed to legally protect people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It sets out the different ways in which it’s unlawful to treat someone.
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We are committed to making learning in the workplace inclusive and accessible to all. A great deal has already been done towards this goal, but some that barriers still remain, and that some groups remain under-represented or disadvantaged.
What is the Equality Act?
The Equality Act is a law which protects you from discrimination. It means that discrimination or unfair treatment on the basis of certain personal characteristics, such as age, is now against the law in almost all cases.
- Age
- Race
- Sex
- Gender reassignment
- Disability
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
There are different forms of discrimination:
Direct Discrimination – when someone is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic they have.
Discrimination by Association – because they associate with another person who possesses a protected characteristic.
Perception Discrimination – because others think they possess a particular protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination – when you have a condition, rule, policy or even a practice in your company that applies to everyone but particularly disadvantages people who share a protected characteristic.
equality and human rights commission
EHRC
The EHRC is there to help make Britain fairer by challenging discrimination and protecting and promoting human rights.
What to do if you are being discriminated against?
If you think you are being discriminated against you can:
- Talk to someone: A trusted colleague, mentor, your Mercuri Learning & Development Coach, The Mercuri Safeguarding and Pastoral Care team.
- Complain directly to the person or organization.
- Use someone else to help you sort it out (called ‘mediation’ or ‘alternative dispute resolution’).
- Make a claim in a court or tribunal.
Discrimination
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other issues. Click the link to see everything you need to know about discrimination
Further information and advice
- ACAS: The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, works with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. They are an independent public body that receives funding from the government.
- Discrimination – your rights.
- The Equality Advisory Service.
- CMI Race
- How to create an inclusive company culture
- Creating youth friendly LGBT+ Workplaces