Equality Act 2010

Chapter 2 E+W+S Prohibited conduct

Discrimination E+W+S

13 Direct discrimination E+W+S

(1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others.

(2) If the protected characteristic is age, A does not discriminate against B if A can show A's treatment of B to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

(3) If the protected characteristic is disability, and B is not a disabled person, A does not discriminate against B only because A treats or would treat disabled persons more favourably than A treats B.

(4) If the protected characteristic is marriage and civil partnership, this section applies to a contravention of Part 5 (work) only if the treatment is because it is B who is married or a civil partner.

(5) If the protected characteristic is race, less favourable treatment includes segregating B from others.

(6) If the protected characteristic is sex—

(a) less favourable treatment of a woman includes less favourable treatment of her because she is breast-feeding;

(b) in a case where B is a man, no account is to be taken of special treatment afforded to a woman in connection with pregnancy [F1 , childbirth or maternity].

F2 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) This section is subject to sections 17(6) and 18(7).

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 13(6)(b) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(a)

F2 S. 13(7) omitted (1.1.2024) by virtue of The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(2)(b)

Prospective

14 Combined discrimination: dual characteristics E+W+S

(1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a combination of two relevant protected characteristics, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat a person who does not share either of those characteristics.

(2) The relevant protected characteristics are—

(a) age;

(b) disability;

(c) gender reassignment;

(d) race

(e) religion or belief;

(f) sex;

(g) sexual orientation.

(3) For the purposes of establishing a contravention of this Act by virtue of subsection (1), B need not show that A's treatment of B is direct discrimination because of each of the characteristics in the combination (taken separately).

(4) But B cannot establish a contravention of this Act by virtue of subsection (1) if, in reliance on another provision of this Act or any other enactment, A shows that A's treatment of B is not direct discrimination because of either or both of the characteristics in the combination.

(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to a combination of characteristics that includes disability in circumstances where, if a claim of direct discrimination because of disability were to be brought, it would come within section 116 (special educational needs).

(6) A Minister of the Crown may by order amend this section so as to—

(a) make further provision about circumstances in which B can, or in which B cannot, establish a contravention of this Act by virtue of subsection (1);

(b) specify other circumstances in which subsection (1) does not apply.

(7) The references to direct discrimination are to a contravention of this Act by virtue of section 13.

15 Discrimination arising from disability E+W+S

(1) A person (A) discriminates against a disabled person (B) if—

(a) A treats B unfavourably because of something arising in consequence of B's disability, and

(b) A cannot show that the treatment is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if A shows that A did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, that B had the disability.

16 Gender reassignment discrimination: cases of absence from work E+W+S

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of the application of Part 5 (work) to the protected characteristic of gender reassignment.

(2) A person (A) discriminates against a transsexual person (B) if, in relation to an absence of B's that is because of gender reassignment, A treats B less favourably than A would treat B if—

(a) B's absence was because of sickness or injury, or

(b) B's absence was for some other reason and it is not reasonable for B to be treated less favourably.

(3) A person's absence is because of gender reassignment if it is because the person is proposing to undergo, is undergoing or has undergone the process (or part of the process) mentioned in section 7(1).

17 Pregnancy and maternity discrimination: non-work cases E+W+S

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of the application to the protected characteristic of pregnancy and maternity of—

(a) Part 3 (services and public functions);

(b) Part 4 (premises);

(c) Part 6 (education);

(d) Part 7 (associations).

(2) A person (A) discriminates against a woman if A treats her unfavourably because of a pregnancy of hers.

(3) A person (A) discriminates against a woman if, in the period of 26 weeks beginning with the day on which she gives birth, A treats her unfavourably because she has given birth.

(4) The reference in subsection (3) to treating a woman unfavourably because she has given birth includes, in particular, a reference to treating her unfavourably because she is breast-feeding.

(5) For the purposes of this section, the day on which a woman gives birth is the day on which—

(a) she gives birth to a living child, or

(b) she gives birth to a dead child (more than 24 weeks of the pregnancy having passed).

(6) Section 13, so far as relating to sex discrimination, does not apply to anything done in relation to a woman in so far as—

(a) it is for the reason mentioned in subsection (2), or

(b) it is in the period, and for the reason, mentioned in subsection (3).

18 Pregnancy and maternity discrimination: work cases E+W+S

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of the application of Part 5 (work) to the protected characteristic of pregnancy and maternity.

(2) A person (A) discriminates against a woman if, in [F3 or after] the protected period in relation to a pregnancy of hers, A treats her unfavourably —

(a) because of the pregnancy, or

(b) because of illness suffered by her [F4 in that protected period as a result of the pregnancy].

(3) A person (A) discriminates against a woman if A treats her unfavourably because she is on compulsory maternity leave [F5 or on equivalent compulsory maternity leave].

(4) A person (A) discriminates against a woman if A treats her unfavourably because she is exercising or seeking to exercise, or has exercised or sought to exercise, the right to ordinary or additional maternity leave [F6 or a right to equivalent maternity leave].

F7 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) The protected period, in relation to a woman's pregnancy, begins when the pregnancy begins, and ends—

(a) if she has the right to ordinary and additional maternity leave, at the end of the additional maternity leave period or (if earlier) when she returns to work after the pregnancy;

[F8 (aa) if she does not have that right, but has a right to equivalent maternity leave, at the end of that leave period, or (if earlier) when she returns to work after the pregnancy;]

(b) if she does not have [F9 a right as described in paragraph (a) or (aa)], at the end of the period of 2 weeks beginning with the end of the pregnancy.

[F10 (6A) For the purposes of this section—

• “equivalent compulsory maternity leave” means a period of leave—

  (a)

  which is of a substantially similar nature (regardless of its length) to compulsory maternity leave, and

  (b)

  which is provided for under a statutory or contractual scheme;

• “equivalent maternity leave” means a period of leave—

  (a)

  which is of a substantially similar nature (regardless of its length) to ordinary or additional maternity leave or both, and

  (b)

  which is provided for under a statutory or contractual scheme.]

(7) Section 13, so far as relating to sex discrimination, does not apply to treatment of a woman in so far as—

(a) it is in [F11 or after] the protected period in relation to her and is for a reason mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2), or

(b) it is for a reason mentioned in subsection (3) or (4).

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 18(2) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(a) (with reg. 2(11))

F4 Words in s. 18(2)(b) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b) (with reg. 2(11))

F5 Words in s. 18(3) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(5) (with reg. 2(11))

F6 Words in s. 18(4) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(6) (with reg. 2(11))

F7 S. 18(5) omitted (1.1.2024) by virtue of The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(7) (with reg. 2(11))

F8 S. 18(6)(aa) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(8)(a) (with reg. 2(11))

F9 Words in s. 18(6)(b) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(8)(b) (with reg. 2(11))

F10 S. 18(6A) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(9) (with reg. 2(11))

F11 Words in s. 18(7)(a) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 2(10) (with reg. 2(11))

19 Indirect discrimination E+W+S

(1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if A applies to B a provision, criterion or practice which is discriminatory in relation to a relevant protected characteristic of B's.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a provision, criterion or practice is discriminatory in relation to a relevant protected characteristic of B's if—

(a) A applies, or would apply, it to persons with whom B does not share the characteristic,

(b) it puts, or would put, persons with whom B shares the characteristic at a particular disadvantage when compared with persons with whom B does not share it,

(c) it puts, or would put, B at that disadvantage, and

(d) A cannot show it to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

(3) The relevant protected characteristics are—

• age;

• disability;

• gender reassignment;

• marriage and civil partnership;

• race;

• religion or belief;

• sex;

• sexual orientation.

[F12 19A Indirect discrimination: same disadvantage E+W+S

(1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if—

(a) A applies to B a provision, criterion or practice,

(b) A also applies, or would apply, the provision, criterion or practice to—

(i) persons who share a relevant protected characteristic, and

(ii) persons who do not share that relevant protected characteristic,

(c) B does not share that relevant protected characteristic,

(d) the provision, criterion or practice puts, or would put, persons with the relevant protected characteristic at a particular disadvantage when compared with persons who do not share the relevant protected characteristic,

(e) the provision, criterion or practice puts, or would put, B at substantively the same disadvantage as persons who do share the relevant protected characteristic, and

(f) A cannot show that the provision, criterion or practice is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

(2) The relevant protected characteristics for the purposes of this section are—

• age;

• disability;

• gender reassignment;

• marriage and civil partnership;

• race;

• religion or belief;

• sex;

• sexual orientation.]

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 19A inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(2)

Adjustments for disabled persons E+W+S

20 Duty to make adjustments E+W+S

(1) Where this Act imposes a duty to make reasonable adjustments on a person, this section, sections 21 and 22 and the applicable Schedule apply; and for those purposes, a person on whom the duty is imposed is referred to as A.

(2) The duty comprises the following three requirements.

(3) The first requirement is a requirement, where a provision, criterion or practice of A's puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled, to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage.

(4) The second requirement is a requirement, where a physical feature puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled, to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to avoid the disadvantage.

(5) The third requirement is a requirement, where a disabled person would, but for the provision of an auxiliary aid, be put at a substantial disadvantage in relation to a relevant matter in comparison with persons who are not disabled, to take such steps as it is reasonable to have to take to provide the auxiliary aid.

(6) Where the first or third requirement relates to the provision of information, the steps which it is reasonable for A to have to take include steps for ensuring that in the circumstances concerned the information is provided in an accessible format.

(7) A person (A) who is subject to a duty to make reasonable adjustments is not (subject to express provision to the contrary) entitled to require a disabled person, in relation to whom A is required to comply with the duty, to pay to any extent A's costs of complying with the duty.

(8) A reference in section 21 or 22 or an applicable Schedule to the first, second or third requirement is to be construed in accordance with this section.

(9) In relation to the second requirement, a reference in this section or an applicable Schedule to avoiding a substantial disadvantage includes a reference to—

(a) removing the physical feature in question,

(b) altering it, or

(c) providing a reasonable means of avoiding it.

(10) A reference in this section, section 21 or 22 or an applicable Schedule (apart from paragraphs 2 to 4 of Schedule 4) to a physical feature is a reference to—

(a) a feature arising from the design or construction of a building,

(b) a feature of an approach to, exit from or access to a building,

(c) a fixture or fitting, or furniture, furnishings, materials, equipment or other chattels, in or on premises, or

(d) any other physical element or quality.

(11) A reference in this section, section 21 or 22 or an applicable Schedule to an auxiliary aid includes a reference to an auxiliary service.

(12) A reference in this section or an applicable Schedule to chattels is to be read, in relation to Scotland, as a reference to moveable property.

(13) The applicable Schedule is, in relation to the Part of this Act specified in the first column of the Table, the Schedule specified in the second column.

Part of this Act	Applicable Schedule
Part 3 (services and public functions)	Schedule 2
Part 4 (premises)	Schedule 4
Part 5 (work)	Schedule 8
Part 6 (education)	Schedule 13
Part 7 (associations)	Schedule 15
Each of the Parts mentioned above	Schedule 21

21 Failure to comply with duty E+W+S

(1) A failure to comply with the first, second or third requirement is a failure to comply with a duty to make reasonable adjustments.

(2) A discriminates against a disabled person if A fails to comply with that duty in relation to that person.

(3) A provision of an applicable Schedule which imposes a duty to comply with the first, second or third requirement applies only for the purpose of establishing whether A has contravened this Act by virtue of subsection (2); a failure to comply is, accordingly, not actionable by virtue of another provision of this Act or otherwise.

22 Regulations E+W+S

(1) Regulations may prescribe—

(a) matters to be taken into account in deciding whether it is reasonable for A to take a step for the purposes of a prescribed provision of an applicable Schedule;

(b) descriptions of persons to whom the first, second or third requirement does not apply.

(2) Regulations may make provision as to—

(a) circumstances in which it is, or in which it is not, reasonable for a person of a prescribed description to have to take steps of a prescribed description;

(b) what is, or what is not, a provision, criterion or practice;

(c) things which are, or which are not, to be treated as physical features;

(d) things which are, or which are not, to be treated as alterations of physical features;

(e) things which are, or which are not, to be treated as auxiliary aids.

(3) Provision made by virtue of this section may amend an applicable Schedule.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 22 wholly in force; s. 22 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 216; s. 22 in force for certain purposes at 6.7.2010 by S.I. 2010/1736, art. 2, Sch.; s. 22 in force at 1.10.2010 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2010/2317, art. 2(1)(2)(e) (with art. 15)

Discrimination: supplementary E+W+S

23 Comparison by reference to circumstances E+W+S

(1) On a comparison of cases for the purposes of section 13, 14, [F13 19 or 19A] there must be no material difference between the circumstances relating to each case.

(2) The circumstances relating to a case include a person's abilities if—

(a) on a comparison for the purposes of section 13, the protected characteristic is disability;

(b) on a comparison for the purposes of section 14, one of the protected characteristics in the combination is disability.

(3) If the protected characteristic is sexual orientation, the fact that one person (whether or not the person referred to as B) is a civil partner while another is married F14 ... is not a material difference between the circumstances relating to each case.

[F15 (4) If the protected characteristic is sexual orientation, the fact that one person (whether or not the person referred to as B) is married to[F16 , or the civil partner of,] a person of the same sex while another is married to[F16 , or the civil partner of,] a person of the opposite sex is not a material difference between the circumstances relating to each case.]

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 23(1) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(3)

F14 Words in s. 23(3) omitted (2.12.2019) by virtue of The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 32(2)(a)

F15 S. 23(4) inserted (13.3.2014) by Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (c. 30), s. 21(3), Sch. 7 para. 43(3); S.I. 2014/93, art. 3(k)(iv)

F16 Words in s. 23(4) inserted (2.12.2019) by The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1458), reg. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 32(2)(b)

24 Irrelevance of alleged discriminator's characteristics E+W+S

(1) For the purpose of establishing a contravention of this Act by virtue of section 13(1), it does not matter whether A has the protected characteristic.

(2) For the purpose of establishing a contravention of this Act by virtue of section 14(1), it does not matter—

(a) whether A has one of the protected characteristics in the combination;

(b) whether A has both.

25 References to particular strands of discrimination E+W+S

(1) Age discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of age;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F17 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is age.

(2) Disability discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of disability;

(b) discrimination within section 15;

(c) discrimination within section 19 [F18 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is disability;

(d) discrimination within section 21.

(3) Gender reassignment discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of gender reassignment;

(b) discrimination within section 16;

(c) discrimination within section 19 [F19 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is gender reassignment.

(4) Marriage and civil partnership discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of marriage and civil partnership;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F20 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is marriage and civil partnership.

(5) Pregnancy and maternity discrimination is discrimination within section 17 or 18.

(6) Race discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of race;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F21 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is race.

(7) Religious or belief-related discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of religion or belief;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F22 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is religion or belief.

(8) Sex discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of sex;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F23 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is sex.

(9) Sexual orientation discrimination is—

(a) discrimination within section 13 because of sexual orientation;

(b) discrimination within section 19 [F24 or 19A] where the relevant protected characteristic is sexual orientation.

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 25(1)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(a)

F18 Words in s. 25(2)(c) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(b)

F19 Words in s. 25(3)(c) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(c)

F20 Words in s. 25(4)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(d)

F21 Words in s. 25(6)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(e)

F22 Words in s. 25(7)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(f)

F23 Words in s. 25(8)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(g)

F24 Words in s. 25(9)(b) inserted (1.1.2024) by The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1425), regs. 1(2), 3(4)(h)

Other prohibited conduct E+W+S

26 Harassment E+W+S

(1) A person (A) harasses another (B) if—

(a) A engages in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and

(b) the conduct has the purpose or effect of—

(i) violating B's dignity, or

(ii) creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for B.

(2) A also harasses B if—

(a) A engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, and

(b) the conduct has the purpose or effect referred to in subsection (1)(b).

(3) A also harasses B if—

(a) A or another person engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or that is related to gender reassignment or sex,

(b) the conduct has the purpose or effect referred to in subsection (1)(b), and

(c) because of B's rejection of or submission to the conduct, A treats B less favourably than A would treat B if B had not rejected or submitted to the conduct.

(4) In deciding whether conduct has the effect referred to in subsection (1)(b), each of the following must be taken into account—

(a) the perception of B;

(b) the other circumstances of the case;

(c) whether it is reasonable for the conduct to have that effect.

(5) The relevant protected characteristics are—

• age;

• disability;

• gender reassignment;

• race;

• religion or belief;

• sex;

• sexual orientation.

27 Victimisation E+W+S

(1) A person (A) victimises another person (B) if A subjects B to a detriment because—

(a) B does a protected act, or

(b) A believes that B has done, or may do, a protected act.

(2) Each of the following is a protected act—

(a) bringing proceedings under this Act;

(b) giving evidence or information in connection with proceedings under this Act;

(c) doing any other thing for the purposes of or in connection with this Act;

(d) making an allegation (whether or not express) that A or another person has contravened this Act.

(3) Giving false evidence or information, or making a false allegation, is not a protected act if the evidence or information is given, or the allegation is made, in bad faith.

(4) This section applies only where the person subjected to a detriment is an individual.

(5) The reference to contravening this Act includes a reference to committing a breach of an equality clause or rule.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 27 wholly in force; s. 27 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 216; s. 27 in force at 1.10.2010 by S.I. 2010/2317, art. 2(1)(2)(f) (with art. 15, and subject to transitional provision in art. 8)