ACAS Table of changes EA 2010

Key

Characteristic covered in existing legislation – no changes Characteristic covered in existing legislation – but some changes Characteristic not covered in existing legislation – now covered Characteristic not covered in existing legislation – still not covered

Equality Act 2010

What’s new & what’s changed: at a glance

Changes

New

Direct discrimination

Someone is treated less favourably than another person because of a protected characteristic (PC)

Associative discrimination

Direct discrimination against someone because they associate with another person who possesses a PC

Discrimination by perception

Direct discrimination against someone because the others think they possess a particular PC

Indirect discrimination

Canoccurwhenyouhavearuleorpolicythatapplies to everyone but disadvantages a particular PC

Harassment

Employees can now complain of behaviour they find offensive even if it is not directed at them

Harassment by a third party

Employers are potentially liable for harassment of their staff by people they don’t employ