The Equality Act 2010 and fairness in the world of work. The Equality Act 2010 is a piece of legislation in the UK that aims to promote equality and protect individuals from discrimination. The Act brings together various pieces of anti-discrimination legislation into a single, unified law.
The Act provides protection against discrimination on the basis of nine protected characteristics, which are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. It applies to a wide range of areas, including employment, education, and the provision of goods and services.
Under the Act, direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization are all prohibited. The Act also requires public bodies to advance equality and to consider the impact of their policies and decisions on different groups.
The Act also provides for positive action, which allows employers and service providers to take certain actions to address inequality and promote diversity. However, positive action is limited and must be proportionate and non-discriminatory.
In addition to these provisions, the Act also establishes the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which is responsible for promoting and enforcing equality and human rights legislation in the UK.
Overall, the Equality Act 2010 is an important piece of legislation that aims to promote equality and protect individuals from discrimination. It provides a legal framework for addressing discrimination and advancing equality in various areas of life, and helps to promote a more inclusive and diverse society in the UK.