The Equality Act 2010 (in England, Scotland, and Wales) prohibits discrimination based on nine protected characteristics. Understanding these protections is the first step to knowing whether you have been unlawfully treated — and what you can do about it.

The Nine Protected Characteristics

  • Age — protection applies at any age, not just older workers
  • Disability — a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial, long-term effect on normal day-to-day activities
  • Gender reassignment — the process of transitioning from one gender to another
  • Marriage and civil partnership — limited protections in the workplace
  • Pregnancy and maternity — protection from the start of pregnancy through maternity leave
  • Race — including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin
  • Religion or belief — including lack of belief
  • Sex — protects men and women equally
  • Sexual orientation — heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual

Types of Discrimination

Discrimination can take several forms:

  • Direct discrimination — treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic
  • Indirect discrimination — a seemingly neutral policy that puts people with a protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage, which is not justified
  • Harassment — unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating environment
  • Victimisation — treating someone badly because they made or supported an equality complaint

Disability: The Reasonable Adjustment Duty

Employers have a specific proactive duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers — for example, adapting working hours, providing assistive technology, or allocating parking spaces. Failure to make adjustments is itself a form of discrimination.

Making a Complaint

You can raise a grievance internally or go directly to an Employment Tribunal. Tribunal claims must be brought within three months less one day of the discriminatory act (or the last act in a continuing course of conduct). ACAS Early Conciliation is a required preliminary step.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Speak with an employment solicitor for advice about your specific situation.