Current Leglislation - Equality Act 2010

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society.

The act replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act to make the law simpler and to remove inconsistencies. This makes the law easier for people to understand and comply with. The act also strengthenes protection in some situations.

When did the Act come into force?

Most of the provisions of the Act came into force in October 2010. Further provisions came into force in April 2011.  

The act covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly. Every person has one or more of the protected characteristics, so the act protects everyone against unfair treatment. They protected characteristics are:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• marriage and civil partnership
• pregnancy and maternity
• race
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation       

Who does the Act apply to?

All public sector organisations, including North West Leicestershire District Council are legally required to adhere to the Public Sector Equality Duty, which outlines practical ways in which the authority or orgainsation can meet its legal obligations under the equality act.

For more information on the Equality Act 2010 and related legislation or guidance, please visit                             www.equalityhumanrights.com or www.homeoffce.gov.uk