Equality Act 2010 overview

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010.

The Equality Act covers nine protected characteristics and:

• Prohibits direct discrimination including discrimination by perception and discrimination by association
• Prohibits and extends indirect discrimination
• Prohibits discrimination arising from a disability
• Places a duty upon employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including through the provision of equipment (also called “auxiliary aids”)
• Prohibits harassment and extends protection from harassment by a third party
• Prohibits victimisation
• Prohibits health checks and questioning before a job offer is made to an applicant, more information about the Equality Act and recruitment can be found on the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) website.
• Prohibits pay secrecy clauses. Read more about the Equality Act and pay discussions on the EHRC website.

Discriminatory acts committed before 1 October 2010 will be covered by the old legislation. Acts continuing after 1 October 2010 will be covered by the new legislation.

Further information and guidance

More information on the Act can be found on the Government Equality Office website and via the links below:

• Acas provides information for employers
• Charity Commission provides information for organisations that restrict their beneficiaries
• Equality and Human Rights Commission 

Additional useful resources:

• Acas podcast on health-related questioning by Steve Williams, Head of Equality
• Trades Union Congress briefing for affiliates
• Eversheds guidance on 'Equality Act: what’s in, what’s not and what to do about it'
• Blake Lapthorn solicitors provide legal guidance 
• Sandy Adirondack's legal update
• NCVO Third Sector Foresight's driver discussing the future implications of the Act