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the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership was set out in the now repealed Sex Discrimination Act 1975.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.
Workers speaking up over sexual misconduct at law firms
Sexual misconduct complaints and cases rise sharply as #MeToo wields influence.
The 10 most important employment law cases in 2019
We round up the most significant cases of the year including legal judgments on CCTV, restrictive covenants, enhancing shared parental leave, collective bargaining and more...
Female police officer wins sexism appeal over London allowance
A female police officer’s claim for sex discrimination has been upheld after she did not receive a ‘London allowance’ during her maternity leave.
Department store criticised for period badges
A department store in Japan has said it is reviewing a policy where its staff could wear badges indicating whether...
Embassy secretary awarded £400,000 for ‘spiteful’ sex discrimination
Employment tribunal awards £400,000 to former Qatari Embassy secretary who was subjected to a campaign of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Government considering making employee references mandatory
The government has said it will consult on the idea that employers should be required to provide, as a minimum,...
BBC presenter Samira Ahmed takes equal pay case to tribunal
BBC journalist Samira Ahmed is taking an equal pay case against the broadcaster to an employment tribunal, claiming she was...
Musicians call for better freelance protections from sexual harassment
The Musicians’ Union is campaigning for stronger protections from sexual harassment and discrimination after almost half of members surveyed said...
Capita unfairly dismissed employee whose role was made full-time
An employee who was made redundant when Capita Customer Management refused to allow her to continue working part time following...
#MeToo at two: how far have we come?
The #MeToo movement is two years old this week and has been influential in altering behaviour, bolstering equality and respect...
Police service discriminated against man with moustache
A police constable has won a sex discrimination claim after an industrial tribunal found that the Police Service of Northern...
Ex-Clarks chief executive loses unfair dismissal case
A former Clarks chief executive has lost his case for unfair dismissal after he was asked to resign following accusations of sexist, racist and homophobic comments.
Rail statistics prove need for flexible season tickets
Use of season tickets is falling as commuters’ flexible working arrangements mean they are no longer good value for money.
Female leaders launch #MeTooPay campaign to end discrimination
More than 100 of the UK’s most successful female business leaders have launched a campaign to close the gender pay...
Women lose legal challenge against hike in state pension age
The manner in which the government increased women’s state pension age was not discriminatory, a judicial review has found, rather...
