Further Information, Help lines and Legal Acts which may relate to your circumstances
Further Information, help lines and Legal Acts which may relate to your circumstances
The Equality Law Act 2010
The Equality Act encapsulates nine other pieces of legislation, putting them under the same umbrella to simplify and to encourage compliance. The Equality law aims to encourage understanding and to protect vulnerable people from all forms of discrimination.
Aspects of many of the Acts which have been incorporated have remained the same, however there have been changes to others, some expanded and others introduced for the first time.
Equal Pay Act (EPA)1970
If, as an employer you are unable to prove that a variation in a male’s contract is a genuine material difference to that of females, an equality clause shall operate.
It is unlawful to discriminate between genders where similar work is being done this includes benefits, holiday entitlement and pension rights.
The Pensions Act 1995
This Act requires the principle of equal treatment for occupational pension schemes for men and women.
Occupational pensions (Equal Treatment) Regulations – as amended 1995
This regulation allows a court or a tribunal to make an assertion as to an applicant’s right to equal pension treatment
Sex Discrimination Act 1986 – Amendments to 1975 law
This Act was necessary to bring British legislation into line with European requirements
Amendments included:
- It is now unlawful for an employer to set different retirement ages for men and women
- Complaints of unfair dismissal by women will now be equal to men
- The restraints on women’s hours and times of work have been removed
- Special designation for organisations to offer single-sex training is removed.
The Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999
This Act protects the rights of people who intend to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone gender reassignment. The statement clarifies that employers must not treat such employees less favourably than other employees.
The Gender Recognition Act 2004 became law on 4 April 2005.
This enables transsexuals to be legally acknowledged with full rights to marry, and obtain a birth certificate in their chosen gender once a gender recognition certificate has been issued
The Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005
It makes adjustment to the definition of harassment at work and indirect discrimination. It also clarifies discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity leave.
The Human Rights Act 1998
These rights are guaranteed under the European Convention on Human Rights. It is not lawful to breach these rights without an act of Parliament
‘Human rights’ are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.
Your human rights are based on principles such as dignity, fairness, equality and respect and to protect your freedom. They are in place to protect your right to expect to be treated with justice and impartiality in your day to day life.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the official body working to combat sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment discrimination and to support individuals bringing claims.
The Equality and Human Rights Helpline numbers are
England
0845 6046610
Scotland
08456045510
Wales
08456048810
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
Offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues.
You can call the Acas helpline on 08457 474 747.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.
References
Occupational stress in health service workers in the UK
David Rees 1, Cary L. Cooper – Department of Clinical Psychology, North Manchester Health Authority, North Manchester General Hospital, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 6RL, UK Manchester School of Management, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, UK
Berr
Health and Safety executive
Tribunals Service – Direct Gov
Ministry of Justice
Sex discrimination Act 1975
This document was reviewed in Jan 2012, however where necessary please seek advice and clarification from a legal expert. The information contained in this website is not a substitute for legal advice.