5. Discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 (EA 10) makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of one or more of the following “protected characteristics”:

• age;

• disability;

• gender reassignment;

• marriage and civil partnership;

• race;

• pregnancy and maternity;

• religion or belief;

• sex; and

• sexual orientation.

Discrimination can take different forms. The EA 10 identifies and prohibits the following types of discrimination:

• direct discrimination;

• indirect discrimination;

• harassment; and

• victimisation.

There is extra protection for disabled workers, including

• the employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments; and

• protection from discrimination “arising from” disability.