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What are protected characteristics?
Protected characteristics are personal characteristics which are protected by discrimination law. Under the Equality Act 2010 (the Act) only the following characteristics are protected. Claims can only be brought under the Act in respect of a relevant protected characteristic:
- Age (all ages are protected, not just older people)
- Disability (a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on someone’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities)
- Gender reassignment (a person who is, has or is proposing to, change sex, note it does not cover transvestites)
- Marriage and civil partnership (does not cover single status)
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race (includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins)
- Religion or belief (or lack of religion)
- Sex
- Sexual orientation (includes orientation towards the same sex, opposite sex or either sex)
To find out more about how these protected characteristics can give rise to rights in respect of discrimination, harassment and victimisation and how these rights can be infringed, click here.
Flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid work, flexitime, and compressed hours, have become increasingly desirable for employees looking to balance work and their personal lives. As of April 6th, 2024, UK employment law has undergone significant updates to empower employees with greater flexibility and control over their work lives.
Every April, the Government reviews and makes changes to employment laws, including a review of financial rates. Below we set out a summary of the proposed changes coming into effect in April and beyond.
Bullying in the workplace is a serious issue for workers (29% of whom will experience workplace bullying at some point1), and for employers (bullying is estimated to cost UK businesses £18 billion a year2 and to contribute to the loss of over 17 million working days each year3).
If you're an employee bringing a claim against your employer in an employment tribunal, you may be wondering who you should call as witnesses. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
In the modern workplace, fostering a culture of inclusivity and ensuring equal treatment for all employees is a crucial aspect of employment law. Discrimination based on disabilities (which can include mental health conditions) is strictly prohibited in the United Kingdom. This article explores the legal framework in UK employment law that safeguards employees against discrimination and highlights the consequences faced by employers who fail to uphold these important principles.
In an era of heightened data protection awareness and stringent regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), employees play a critical role in safeguarding personal data. This article explores the legal consequences that employees may face in the United Kingdom when implicated in data protection breaches at the workplace.
In recognition of the importance of employee well-being, employers in the UK are increasingly implementing well-being initiatives to support the mental health and overall well-being of their workforce. These initiatives, which can include employee assistance programs (EAPs) and wellness programs, aim to provide support, resources, and interventions that enhance employee well-being. This article explores the legal framework surrounding well-being initiatives in UK employment law and highlights the benefits and considerations for employers when implementing such programs.
Creating a safe and respectful work environment is a fundamental aspect of UK employment law. This article explores the legal obligations placed on employers to address workplace harassment, highlighting the measures they should take to promote a culture of respect and protect their employees' mental health.
In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace. Employment law acknowledges the sensitive nature of mental health disclosures and places obligations on employers to handle such disclosures with care, confidentiality, and without discrimination. This article explores the legal framework surrounding mental health disclosures in the workplace, emphasising the responsibilities employers have in safeguarding employee privacy and ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) revolutionised the way organisations handle personal data, and for Human Resources (HR) departments in the United Kingdom, compliance is paramount. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of best practices for HR to safeguard employee data and ensure GDPR compliance in the workplace.