Discrimination means treating someone 'less favourably' than someone else, because of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

These are called ‘protected characteristics’.

Discrimination that occurs because of one or more of the above characteristics is unlawful under the Equality Act.

Someone can be directly discriminated against because of:

• A 'protected characteristic' they have
• A connection they have with someone or a group of people with a protected characteristic (this is called ‘discrimination by association’)
• A protected characteristic they are thought to have regardless of whether the perception is correct or not (this is called ‘discrimination by perception’).

Indirect discrimination occurs when a working practice, policy or rule (including formal or informal practices, decisions and ways of working) is the same for everyone, but it puts those with a certain protected characteristic at a disadvantage.

Harassment, victimisation, discrimination arising from disability and failing to make reasonable adjustments are also types of discrimination under the Equality Act.

To understand more about discrimination and what you should do if you are or have experienced this, please refer to our ED&I Policy for further information, help and support.