Equality Act 2010

Nine protected characteristics:
1. Age
2. Disability
3. Gender reassignment
4.Marriage and civil partnership
5. Pregnancy and maternity
6. Race
7.Religion and belief
8.Sex
9.Sexual orientation

Age: In terms of employment, age is the only protected characteristic that allows an employer to justify direct or indirect discrimination.
Disability: The act introduces a new protection from discrimination arising from disability. It is discriminatory to threat a disabled person less favourably because of something related to their disability. It is only justifiable if an employer education or service provider can demonstrate that such treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Gender reassignment: It means the process of transitioning from one gender to another. This Act cover people who have proposed, started on completed a process to change their sex but are not necessarily medical supervision.
Marriage and civil partnership: Employees and student who are married on in a civil partnership are protected under the Act.
Pregnancy and Maternity: Discrimination of women on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity during pregnancy and any maternity period is prohibited under the Act.
Race: It is unlawful to discriminate on grounds of colour, nationality on ethnic/national origins.
Sex: Men and women both are protected under the Act. Those who are undergoing on proposing gender reassignment are also covered.
Sexual orientation: Lesbian, gay, bio-sexual and heterosexual people are protected under the Act.
Religion and Belief: The Act protected any religion, and also protects those who do not follow any religion or have no religion at all.

References: Citizens Advice: Equality Act 2010
Available from: www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales.../equalityact-2010-discrimination

References: Citizens Advice: Equality Act 2010 Available from: www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales.../equalityact-2010-discrimination