Public Sector Equality Duty

The EA 2010 introduced a single equality duty on public bodies (or those carrying out public functions) to pay due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations across eight protected characteristics, including age. This means that those carrying out public functions have a positive duty to take action on age equality. Previously similar duties only applied to race, gender and disability. The new duty took effect on 5 April 2011 but is currently under threat. The outcome of a government review is expected later this year.