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the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership was set out in the now repealed Sex Discrimination Act 1975.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.
One in eight reluctant to hire women who may become pregnant
One in eight (12%) employers would be reluctant to hire a woman who could become pregnant and one in seven...
Emma Watson launches sexual harassment helpline
Emma Watson says the scale of sexual harassment in the workplace may finally be understood as she launched a legal advice line to help women understand their rights.
Government admits defeat in police pensions legal battle
The government has conceded defeat over its attempt to alter police pensions, acknowledging that moving police officers to new police pension schemes, based on their age, is discriminatory.
Steep rise in sexual harassment complaints involving law firms
An apparent sharp rise in the number of sexual harassment complaints involving solicitors has drawn attention to law firms' misuse of gagging orders.
Could your office temperature land you in legal hot water?
With the heat set to rise into the high thirties this week, could there be legal issues as employers aim...
New laws on misuse of NDAs in the workplace
The government has announced legislation to address the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in the workplace – including clauses designed...
Teacher overlooked for promotion because she worked part time
A teacher who was overlooked for a promotion because she was working reduced hours has received a £5,000 pay out...
Women’s World Cup: fans and players call for equal pay
The crowd at this weekend’s Fifa Women’ World Cup final were heard to chant “equal pay” as the US team...
Landmark public sector pension ruling confirmed
A landmark ruling that pension reforms discriminated against younger workers has been confirmed - with huge ramifications for the public sector
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
