What are protected characteristics and why is it important?
In the Equality Act 2010, nine characteristics were identified as ‘protected characteristics’. These are the characteristics where evidence shows there is still significant discrimination in employment, provision of goods and services and access to services such as education and health.
What is the protected characteristics?
Protected characteristics
These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Does everyone have a protected characteristic?
Protected characteristics are aspects of a person’s identity that makes them who they are. Everyone has at least of few of the nine protected characteristics, so as an employer, it’s important you make sure an employee isn’t treated less favourably because of theirs.
What are the three main purposes of the Equality Act?
We welcome our general duty under the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination; to advance equality of opportunity; and to foster good relations.
What are the protected characteristics of the Equality Act?
Under the Equality Act, there are nine protected characteristics:
- age.
- disability.
- gender reassignment.
- marriage and civil partnership.
- pregnancy and maternity.
- race.
- religion or belief.
- sex.
Why is the Equality Act important?
The Equality Act is a law which protects you from discrimination. It means that discrimination or unfair treatment on the basis of certain personal characteristics, such as age, is now against the law in almost all cases.
What are the 3 common barriers to equality diversity and inclusion?
Lack of sponsorship. Racism. Women are not liked in leadership or supported by other women. Unconscious bias.
Is veganism a protected characteristic?
The judge was therefore satisfied that there was overwhelming evidence that ethical veganism is capable of being a philosophical belief, thus a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
What rights does the Equality Act give an employee?
The Equality Act 2010 protects you against discrimination in the workplace at all stages of employment. This includes recruitment, employment terms and conditions, training, pay and benefits, promotion and transfer opportunities, dismissal or redundancy.
How does the Equality Act affect employers?
The Equality Act gives protection against work-related discrimination, making it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against its job applicants, employees and former employees. If it does so, it will be liable for its actions.
Is being a single parent a protected characteristic?
Single parents need to be protected in the Equality Act as a specific protected characteristic to protect them against the very specific discrimination they face.
Is being a parent a protected characteristic?
Is parenting and caring a protected characteristic? Parenting and caring is not a protected characteristic, but you may be able to rely on sex, pregnancy and maternity or disability discrimination.
Why is it important to prevent discrimination?
It is important to prevent discrimination happening to anyone. This is because it helps protects their rights and wellbeing since everyone deserves to access the same rights and have the same opportunities in life.
The Equality Act 2010 provides a legal framework which can support personalisation in adult social care. They are both about ensuring individuals receive services that are respectful, effective and accessible. It is essential that care providers from all sectors understand the implications for them.
Does anxiety and depression count as a disability?
People with both depression and anxiety disorders (a common combination) might qualify for disability through the Social Security Administration’s disability insurance program (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Is anxiety a protected disability?
It is a protected diagnosis under federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects chronic conditions that limit “bodily function.” Because anxiety alters the body’s functions of thinking and concentrating, it is covered as a disability in most cases.
What are the 7 pillars of inclusion?
7 Pillars of Inclusion
- Choice.
- Partnerships.
- Communications.
- Policies.
- Opportunities.
- Access.
- Attitude.
How do you overcome the barriers to equality and inclusion?
3 Strategies To Overcome Barriers To Equality And Diversity On…
- Public Boards: Increasing Awareness.
- Improve Training.
- Private Boards: Improve the Appointment Process.
- Develop Mentoring.
- Fix Pipeline Issues.
- Improve Access to Professional Networks.
- Use Governance Codes to Set Targets.
- Special Measures.
Is it illegal to discriminate vegans?
Under Article 7 of The Declaration, vegans are equal before the law and entitled without discrimination to equal protection of the law. Under Article 18 vegans are entitled to their belief and have the right to manifest their belief in teaching and practice.
Can you discriminate based on veganism?
According to The Guardian, a 2015 study by Cara C. MacInnis and Gordon Hodson found that not only have vegans faced discrimination, but that it’s on par with the hatred that a number of minorities face from bigots.
What are the 4 main types of discrimination?
The 4 types of Discrimination
- Direct discrimination.
- Indirect discrimination.
- Harassment.
- Victimisation.
How does the Human Rights Act promote safeguarding?
Through legal cases, the Human Rights Act has empowered children to: protect their right to privacy in receiving confidential advice and treatment about contraception and sexual health. make sure they are protected from abuse and harm when in trouble with the criminal justice system.
What happens if a business does not follow the Equality Act?
Failure to comply
You may be liable to disciplinary action if you fail to comply with its provisions or related policies and procedures. Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee who is found to have committed an act of unlawful discrimination.
What does the Equality Act mean for employers?
The Act effectively makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against job applicants because of a protected characteristic.
What are the impacts of the Equality Act?
Impact of the Equality Act
Recruitment procedures – organisations may have to revise their recruitment policies to ensure there is no discriminatory wording in job adverts and no discrimination during the recruitment process. Accessibility – the business needs to ensure it is accessible to all.
What is it called when you are treated unfairly at work?
Treating someone in your staff unfairly because of who they are is discrimination.
How do you know if you are being treated unfairly at work?
How To Spot Unfair Treatment At Work
- Spreading false rumors about coworkers.
- Neglecting a promotion or pay raise due to a race, gender, or other non-work-specific trait.
- Sending offensive emails or texts regarding an employee.
- Paying certain employees lower wages due to a protected characteristic as mentioned above.
What is parental discrimination?
Family responsibilities discrimination is the inequitable treatment of employees who are parents or primary caregivers for their family members. This type of discrimination may also be referred to as caregiver or parental discrimination.
Does Equality Act cover carers?
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against a carer because of their responsibilities as a carer, or because of the individual(s) they care for.
What is a protected characteristic?
Protected characteristics
These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Is mental health a protected characteristic?
‘Protected characteristics’ is the name for the nine personal characteristics that are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act. They are: age. disability (this can include mental health problems)
What to Do When You Can’t work because of anxiety?
Those with anxiety can qualify for disability if they are able to prove their anxiety makes it impossible to work. You must submit evidence showing your anxiety disorder matches the SSA’s Blue Book requirements.
Does anxiety count as a disability UK?
A mental health condition is considered a disability if it has a long-term effect on your normal day-to-day activity. This is defined under the Equality Act 2010. Your condition is ‘long term’ if it lasts, or is likely to last, 12 months.
Why equality is important in the workplace?
Equality in the workplace ensures people are given equal opportunities, equal pay, and are well accepted for their differences. It is creating an inclusive and conducive work environment where employees feel secure and happy. Equality ensures removing any chances of discrimination in the workplace.
Why is it important to respect diversity?
Diversity increases productivity and collaboration
By creating a mutual understanding and respect for everybody’s differences, it creates a more open and accepting environment where the whole workforce feels able to contribute something.
How does discrimination affect society?
Discrimination affects people’s opportunities, their well-being, and their sense of agency. Persistent exposure to discrimination can lead individuals to internalize the prejudice or stigma that is directed against them, manifesting in shame, low self-esteem, fear and stress, as well as poor health.
How do you promote equality in the workplace?
Creating equality in the workplace:
- Start at the hiring process.
- Create and encourage a safe work environment.
- Help employees to educate themselves.
- Don’t just accept differences, celebrate them.
- Make it known that your company stands for equality and create a culture to support it.
- Speak to your employees about wider issues.
It is important to prevent discrimination happening to anyone. This is because it helps protects their rights and wellbeing since everyone deserves to access the same rights and have the same opportunities in life.
How do I pass a PIP assessment?
Prepare for your PIP assessment
- Read your PIP form thoroughly. Make any notes of changes to your condition. Remind yourself of your answers.
- Read the PIP descriptors for each question.
- Understand what the PIP assessment is.
- Make a list of points you would like to make during your assessment – and take this with you.
What should you not say in a disability interview?
Making Statements That Can Hurt Your Claim – Unless you are specifically asked pertinent questions, do not talk about alcohol or drug use, criminal history, family members getting disability or unemployment, or similar topics. However, if you are asked directly about any of those topics, answer them truthfully.
Is it OK to quit a job because of anxiety?
On the one hand, quitting your job because of anxiety means that the anxiety won. By leaving a stressful situation, you might end up defeated by the job and may feel as if you failed. If anxiety wins by quitting your job, then you may let anxiety beat you in other areas of your life.
What are the most common barriers to inclusion?
Top Five Barriers to Inclusion
- Informal Mentoring. Formal mentoring pairs often have the best intentions, however, they rely on trust and shared interest being manufactured.
- Recovering from Mistakes.
- Bullying.
- Insensitivity.
- Perceived Underperformance.
How do you promote inclusivity?
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
- Make It A Continuous Process.
- Hire Leaders Who Understand The Importance Of These Values.
- Always Keep An Open Mind.
- Help Employees Feel Comfortable Expressing Themselves.
- Invite Diversity Of Discussion.
- Have A Safe Space For People’s Beliefs.
- Create Flexible Mandatory Holidays.
How do barriers to equality impact on individuals?
These kinds of barriers can impact individuals in several ways. They can prevent an individual from accessing services that may be needed for their health and wellbeing. If the individual isn’t receiving the treatment that they require they are at risk of developing a disability or illness.