Learning
Equality Act
Nine characteristics, four kinds of discrimination.
Protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Discrimination can be direct, indirect, harassment or victimisation. A failure to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled person is its own form of discrimination.
The Act applies to employment, education, services, and public functions — which covers almost every institution you will ever write to.
Key points
- Indirect discrimination: a neutral rule with an unequal effect.
- Reasonable adjustments are an anticipatory duty for service providers.
- Victimisation means being punished for raising it.
- Name the characteristic in writing — it changes the process.
You’re safe. You’re capable. You’re legally unstoppable.