The Equality Act 2010 is designed to give us rights and protection as individuals. It covers nine ‘protected characteristics’:
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Religion and belief
- Sexual orientation
Basically this means that you should not be treated differently or in anyway less favourably than anyone else just because of one of these characteristics.
'Human rights' are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world. The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals in the UK have access to.
Legislation is complex and if you feel that you have suffered from discrimination you need to seek advice. A good starting point is the official body responsible for ensuring that the legislation is working:
You can also talk to your Personal Adviser.