Protected Characteristics

It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of: 

A  person belonging to a particular age (for example 32 year olds) or range of ages.

A person has a disability if she or he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

The process of transitioning from one gender to another.

Marriage is a union between a man and a woman or between a same-sex couple.

Same-sex couples can also have their relationships legally recognised as 'civil partnerships'. Civil partners must not be treated less favourably than married couples (except where permitted by the Equality Act).

Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context.

Refers to the protected characteristic of race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.

Religion refers to any religion, including a lack of religion. Belief refers to a religious or philosophical belief and includes a lack of belief.

A man or a woman.

Whether a person's sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.