Equality Act 2010

Protected Characteristics

Information and Guidance

Guidance for Managers: key changes under the Equality Act and current University developments to ensure the requirements of the Act are met.

 

 

 

The Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1st October 2010. It:

  • consolidates and streamlines current anti-discrimination legislation and strengthens the law to support progress on equality
  • replaces all existing equality legislation, including the Equal Pay Act (1970)
  • introduces new equality legislation covering employment, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the management of premises and the exercise of public functions
  • extends protection to a wide range of groups that face discrimination through the introduction of protected characteristics which are the grounds upon which discrimination is unlawful.

The key changes under the Equality Act are:

  • Change in the definition of direct discrimination
  • Change in the definition of specific protected characteristics
  • Extended protection for disabled people
  • Breastfeeding is now explicitly protected
  • Protection on grounds of pregnancy and maternity has been extended to students
  • New limitations on the use of health related questions during staff recruitment and selection exercises have been introduced
  • New protection from third party harassment
  • Removal of secrecy clauses in discussing pay

The Public Sector Equality Duty

The Equality Act 2010 introduced a public sector equality duty, which higher education institutions and the Higher Education Funding Council for England have to meet. The duty is underpinned by specific duties. For information about how the University of York is demonstrating compliance with the equality duty, see web page: Equality Information

Further information, advice and guidance

 

Key Legal Changes

For more information about the key legal changes see the Equality and Human Rights Commission web pages.

Public Sector Equality Duty:

Introduction to the Equality Duty Equality and Human Rights Commission Guidance

How do we demonstrate due regard? Equality Challenge Unit Guidance

Public sector equality duty: specific duties for England - ECU briefing on implications for HEIs

The Equality Act:

Equality Act 2010: Key Actions Equality Challenge Unit Guidance

Guidance: Equality Act 2010 Equality and Human Rights Commission Guidance

Equality Act 2010 ACAS Guidance for employers

The Equality Act 2010 Government Equalities Office Guidance

The Equality Act 2010: what do I need to know? A summary guide to your rights Government Equalities Office and Citizens Advice Bureau

Presentation on the Equality Act 2010 given by Gary Loke, Head of Policy for the Equality Challenge Unit at the University of York in November 2010.

Positive Action Provisions:

A quick start guide to using positive action in recruitment and promotion Government Equalities Office publication

 

 

Updated by the Equality and Diversity Adviser

January 2012

Back to the Top