You might find yourself in situations where you are treated less favourably than others because of who you are or because you possess certain protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation). Discrimination occurs if one or more of these protected characteristics is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
You’re protected from discrimination:
- at work
- in education (e.g. school, university)
- when you use public services (e.g. bus, train)
- when you purchase or rent a property
- of government departments’ and local authorities’ actions
- by health and care providers (e.g. hospitals and care homes)
- as a consumer in the provision of goods/services by businesses and organisations.
You’re also protected from discrimination:
- If you are in a relationship with somebody who has a protected characteristic, for example, a family member or friend, and because of this you are not treated favourably. This is called ‘discrimination by association.
- If you are treated unfairly because you’ve made discrimination complaints or supported someone else’s claim and rights.
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