Against Discrimination: Equality Act 2010 (UK)

Abstract

This article offers an overview of the Equality Act 2010, which simplified and systematised previous Acts and Regulations related to anti-discrimination issues in Great Britain (applies to the public sector). In particular, the Equality Act 2010 replacedSex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976 and Disability Discrimination Act 1995. (However, if someone was subjected to unlawful treatment such as discrimination before 1 October 2010 and wishes to make a complaint, they will be covered by the legislation that was in force at the time, as the Equality Act does not apply.)The Equality Act 2010 has also strengthened the law that protects various categories of vulnerable people at work and in other settings, e.g. by expanding the notion of disability, clarifying the issue of gender reassignment and creating provision for positive action. The authors explain the essence and structure of this Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom, as well as clarifying specific terminology used by legislators such as protected characteristics, positive action, gender reassignment, reasonable adjustment etc. The Equality Act 2010 is regularly updated and updates are published in open access resources.