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The Equality Act 2010- 01/10/2010
The main aims of the Act are as follows-
- Simplify and consolidate all of the various anti-discrimination statutes which currently exist;
- Tidy up the inconsistencies which currently exist;
- Extend discrimination protection (e.g. combined discrimination, bringing pay secrecy claims)
We expect that the overall effect of the Act is that it will increase the number of people who are able to bring claims under discrimination legislation and therefore lead to more work for you as employers.
Implementation Timetable
There was some uncertainty due to new Coalition Government. However, both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were broadly supportive of the Equality Act during consultation. The implementation timetable is as follows-
• The main elements implemented on 1st October 2010 to include associative & perceived discrimination.
• Combined discrimination by April 2011;
• Gender pay gap information by 2013.
Protected Characteristics
• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
There are still four categories of discrimination;
• Direct
• Indirect
• Harassment
• Victimisation
For more information, please contact one of our employment team on employment@fbcmb.co.uk or 01902 578000.