The Equality Act 2010 brought together existing regulations that already gave protection against all kinds of discrimination and extended them. It gives people the right not to be disadvantaged or treated badly as a result of any ‘protected characteristics’.

The Equality Act Chapter 1, Section 4 states that:

“The following characteristics are protected characteristics —

• age;
• disability;
• gender reassignment;
• marriage and civil partnership;
• pregnancy and maternity;
• race;
• religion or belief;
• sex;
• sexual orientation.”

Under the Act, disabled people should be treated equally and should get fair access to education, employment, goods, services, facilities and transport. The Act also explains how education providers and employers have to make reasonable adjustments, provide support and make things accessible.

The Equality Act 2010 is not a replacement for individual legal advice and organisations should also refer to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance available at www.equalityhumanrights.com/legal-and-policy/equality-act/equality-act-codes-of-practice