Protected characteristics | Acas

There are 9 characteristics protected by law (Equality Act 2010). An employer must not discriminate against a worker because of a protected characteristic.

Advice

Age discrimination

What age discrimination is. Making and handling complaints. Preventing age discrimination.

Disability discrimination

What the law says about disability discrimination. How employers and workers can deal with it.

Gender reassignment discrimination

What gender reassignment means. Examples of discrimination. Steps for preventing discrimination.

Marriage and civil partnership discrimination

How the law protects people from discrimination on the grounds of marriage or civil partnership.

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination

What pregnancy and maternity discrimination is. The 'protected period'. Dealing with discrimination.

Race discrimination

What race means by law. Examples of race discrimination at work. Dealing with discrimination.

Religion or belief discrimination

How the law defines religion or belief. Dealing with discrimination. Steps for preventing it.

Sex discrimination

What sex discrimination is. Making and handling complaints. Steps employers should take to prevent it.

Sexual orientation discrimination

What the law says about sexual orientation. Dealing with discrimination. Steps for preventing it.

Using protected characteristics to make decisions

When employers might base work decisions on protected characteristics.

Sexual harassment

What sexual harassment is and what to do if you're affected. Specialist helplines and support.