Protected Characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010:

Age

A person belonging to a particular age (e.g. 32-year-olds) or a range of ages (e.g. 18-30-year-olds).

Disability

A person has a disability if they have 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.

Sex

Both men and women are covered under the Act.

Gender reassignment (often referred to as transgender or trans)

A transgender person is someone who proposes to, starts, or has completed a process to change his or her gender. A person does not need to be under medical supervision to be protected.

Race

This includes ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality, and includes refugees, migrants, gypsies and travellers. Refugees and migrants are people whose intention is to stay in the UK for at least twelve months (excluding visitors, short term students and tourists). This definition includes asylum seekers; voluntary and involuntary migrants; people who are undocumented; and the children of migrants, even if they were born in the UK.

Religion or Belief

Religion refers to any religion with a clear structure and belief system. Belief means any religious or philosophical belief. The Act also covers lack of religion or belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.

Sexual Orientation

Refers to an individual’s sexuality. The Act therefore protects lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual individuals.

Pregnancy and Maternity

Protection is during pregnancy and any statutory maternity leave to which the woman is entitled. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth. Protection includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.

Marriage and Civil Partnership

Marriage can either be between a man and a woman, or between partners of the same sex (as defined by Marriage (Same-sex Couples) Act 2013). Same-sex couples can also have their relationships recognised as ‘civil partnerships’. Please note that the under the Public Sector Equality Duty the protected characteristic of marriage and civil partnership applies with regard to the first general duty of the Act, eliminating unlawful discrimination, only.

Discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of an individual or group, on the grounds of a protected characteristic.