This chapter examines the key provisions of discrimination law. It highlights the passage of Equality Act 2010 to harmonize most of the various grounds for discrimination under a single piece of legislation, and notes that much pre-2010 anti-discrimination legislation has been repealed. The chapter discusses the various protected characteristics (for example, age, sex, disability etc) and looks at the various forms of prohibited conduct in relation to each characteristic (for example, direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, victimization). The chapter then looks at how the law aims to ensure equal contractual terms between men and women. Finally, the chapter concludes by looking at legislative provisions that seek to protect part-time workers and fixed-term employees.
Chapter
27. Discrimination law
Chapter
22. Equality In Employment Relationships
This chapter discusses the Equality Act (EA) 2010. There have been many changes adopted following the enactment of this legislation. The Act is relevant for businesses as it imposes obligations to provide a safe system of work, including regulating the activities of management, colleagues, and third parties. This is an area of law that will evolve over the forthcoming years, and whilst much of the previous case law is applicable to this new Act, new judgments will likely expand and clarify the extent of equality law. An employer who is not aware of the provisions of EA 2010 runs the risk of facing very expensive claims, poor industrial relations, and potential damage to his or her reputation as an employer.
