The Equality Act 2010 says that public bodies, like AWP, must protect the rights of individuals and groups by meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty. As stated in the Equality Act, AWP has a duty to:
- eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Equality Act.
- advance equality of opportunity between people who share a ‘protected characteristic’ and those who don’t.
- foster good relations between those who share a ‘protected characteristic’ and those who don’t.
- publish its equality objectives and information to demonstrate compliance with the equality duty.
The Equality Act introduced the term ‘protected characteristics’ to refer to groups that are protected under the Act. So, it is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their age, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or civil partnership, race, sex equality, religious and spiritual beliefs.
Find out more:
- Gov.UK - Discrimination: Your Rights
- NHS England - Equality pages
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Citizens Advice: Equality Act 2010 - discrimination and your rights