Equal opportunities law ensures that people are to be recruited and employed based on their skills and qualifications. Promotions should be given to employees based on how they perform in their position, and the skills they have to do their job.  

Discrimination occurs when an employer treats one employee differently than others, due to age, sex, race, religion, or disability. It may mean a person from an ethnic background being refused training offered to colleagues or a woman being paid less than a man to do exactly the same job. Here are the principal types of discrimination you are protected against:   

Age Discrimination

Age discrimination at work is unlawful in almost all types of employment situations as well as amongst partners of firms, in respect of contract workers and anyone in vocational training. All aspects of employment or prospective employment are protected from age discrimination, including in relation to the recruitment process, actual employment terms and conditions, promotions, transfers, dismissals and training.  

Race Discrimination

The 1976 Race Relations Act makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you on racial grounds. This includes discrimination based on colour, nationality or ethnic origins.  

Sex Discrimination

Under the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because of your gender, your marital status, or your plans to have gender reassignment.  

The 1970 Equal Pay Act makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate between men and women in terms of their pay and conditions where they are performing the same work or work of equal value.  

Disability

The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act applies to all employers and everyone who provides a service to the public, except the Armed Forces. Designed to end discrimination against disabled people. it also aims to meet the needs of small to medium sized businesses on the basis of flexibility to take account of the individual circumstances of each business.  

Sexual Orientation

You are protected against sexual orientation discrimination if you are gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. 

Religion or Belief

It is against the law for an employer to discriminate against you because of your religion or belief, including discrimination if you do not follow a religion or belief.