From 1 October 2010, most of the Equality Act 2010 will come into force. The Act replaces existing anti-discrimination such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
As an employer, your obligations will remain largely the same. However the Act does strengthen some particular aspects of equality law. As a result, you may need to reconsider some of your policies and practices.
Note that the characteristics protected under equality law will remain the same as currently. These are:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment, which covers transsexual people
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race, which includes ethnic or national origins, colour and nationality
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
For more information see:
- Equality law and good practice guidance for employers on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website
- For an overview of current law in this area, see our guide: Prevent discrimination and value diversity
- Get a personalised list of regulations from our Regulation checklist