Sex discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 bans employers from committing direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation against individuals because of their sex. However, employers can justify indirect sex discrimination to achieve a legitimate aim through proportionate means.
Prior to the implementation of the Equality Act 2010 on 1 October 2010, discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership was set out in the now repealed Sex Discrimination Act 1975. However, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership all exist as protected characteristics in their own right under the Equality Act 2010.
Female academics ‘discriminated against’ by universities, research claims
Female academics at top universities do not progress as quickly, or to the same levels, as men with the same...
JPMorgan Chase settles US paternity leave case for $5m
JPMorgan Chase will pay $5m to settle a discrimination claim filed by a male employee in the US
Employers can enhance maternity pay and not shared parental pay
The Court of Appeal has ruled that employers can enhance maternity pay, while only offering statutory shared parental pay for fathers.
MP seeks to rescue new mums’ redundancy protection plans
The government is accused of dragging its feet over protections for new mothers as a private member's bill is introduced in the House of Commons...
British Airways warns cabin crew wearing ‘wrong’ bra
British Airways has come under fire for accusing female cabin crew of wearing the “wrong” colour or type bra, and...
Appeal court hears parental pay discrimination claims
The Court of Appeal has heard two cases that consider whether it is discriminatory for employers to enhance maternity pay but not shared parental pay
Shop staff verbally abused or assaulted once a fortnight, union claims
A retail union has urged the government to better protect shop workers from violence and verbal abuse, after it emerged...
Shared parental leave and pay – equalising opportunities?
With reports citing that only 1% of those eligible took a period of shared parental leave in 2018 it is...
Menstruation: Is period pain a disability?
Many men and women still view menstruation as a taboo topic and feel uncomfortable talking about periods, even though they...
Royal Mail driver told she should be ‘in the kitchen’ wins case
A Royal Mail driver who was told she should be “back home and in the kitchen” has won £2,600 in...
Equality regulator to investigate pay discrimination at BBC
The BBC is being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission following complaints that female employees were not paid...
Virgin Atlantic cabin crew can go make-up free
Female cabin crew working for Virgin Atlantic will no longer be required to wear make-up while on their shift.
They...
ONS economist wins £19,000 in sex discrimination case
A female economist who worked for the Office for National Statistics has been awarded £19,000 in compensation after she was...
Walmart staff file gender discrimination case
Almost 100 women in the US have filed a gender discrimination claim against retail giant Walmart, alleging they have been...
New mums to receive six months more redundancy protection
Pregnant women and new mothers returning to work after having children are to receive greater protection from being treated unfairly,...
