The Equality Act 2010 protects people in Great Britain from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society on the basis of the following nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. These are referred to as ‘protected characteristics’.
The Careers & Employability Service provides information and advice on equality and diversity issues. Click on the tabs below for information on sources of support in relation to the Equality Act.
‘Positive action’ against discrimination
Positive action is allowed under the Equality Act and can be taken to encourage and recruit people who are disproportionately under-represented in the organisation. For example, measures can include the use of positive action statements in recruitment adverts, targeted adverting of jobs, pre-application training, open days, mentoring schemes. The job is still given to the most suitable candidate, regardless of whether they have a particular characteristic or not, but the positive action measure should encourage applicants from the under-represented group to apply and perform to the best of their ability.
There are a number of employers committed to improving diversity and inclusion within their organisations so have ‘positive action’ policies. You will find links to these in the tabs below.
Useful links
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: useful information and contacts on the University of Cumbria website.
Gov.Uk: Discrimination: your rights - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) explains what you can do if you think you have been unfairly treated.
Citizens Advice: If you think you’ve been unfairly treated when applying for a job
ACAS: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Your Rights to Equality at Work: When You Apply for a Job
Targetjobs: Discrimination in the recruitment process and workplace: a legal guide
Vercida - Website promotes Equality, Diversity & Inclusion with job search