Discrimination

There are laws to stop discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age.

If you feel someone or an organisation has discriminated against you, speak to a personal adviser, youth worker, Citizens Advice Bureau or contact the organisations on the links opposite.

Types of discrimination

Direct discrimination

Someone is treated less favourably because of gender, race, disability etc. for example, a nursery advertises for a female nursery nurse.

Indirect discrimination

The criteria applies to everyone but may put certain groups of people who are capable of doing the job at a disadvantage. For example, a minimum height requirement may place females or people from certain ethnic groups at a disadvantage.

Harrassment

...'unwanted conduct with the purpose of, or effect of, violating a person's dignity, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.'

Victimisation

Discriminating against someone because of action they have taken to do with equality legislation.

Equality laws

Here are some of the main laws about equality.

Equal Pay Act 1970

An employer must pay men and women the same if they do the same jog or a job that is evaluated as being the same or is of equal value in terms of skills, effort and knowledge needed.

Sex Discrimination Act 1975

It is illegal to discriminate against males or females on the basis of gender or marriage. There are some exceptions, notably certain jobs within the armed forces.

Race Relations Act 1976

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origin. There are some exceptions; the Commission for Racial Equality can provide more information.

Disability Discrimination Act 1995

This act means it is now illegal for an employer (except for the armed forces) to discriminate against a disabled person. The size of your organisation no longer gives you exemption. You must make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and job applicants.

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

This regulation makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of actual or perceived sexual orientation. It applies to everyone- it does not matter whether the person is gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual.

Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003

This regulation makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of actual or perceived religion or belief.

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2003

This regulation makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the grounds of age when it comes to employment and vocational training unless an age requirement can be objectivley justified or allowed by law. It does not apply to goods and services.

Commission for Equality and Human Rights

This organisation will replace the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission this year.

Updated June 07