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the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership was set out in the now repealed Sex Discrimination Act 1975.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.
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,...
The 10 most important employment law cases in 2018
As always, HR professionals had their fair share of employment law cases to keep track of in 2018, but what...
Women face discrimination in surgeons’ ‘old boys club’, research finds
Six out of 10 female surgeons have experienced discrimination at work, with many feeling the profession does not support childcare...
Nine New Year’s resolutions for HR
You may be eating more healthily, exercising more or doing dry January, but for HR professionals returning to work, legal...
Largest university in UK hit by boycott over outsourced staff
Academics, students and leading politicians have launched a boycott of the University of London in support of outsourced workers
Lloyds ordered to pay up to £150 million to female pension scheme members
The High Court has ruled that Lloyds Banking Group must pay up to £150 million to female members of its...
How menopause policies can help to reduce employment tribunal risk
If women’s menopause symptoms are not treated sensitively, employers can face increased risks of claims for sex and disability discrimination....
Schoolgirl awarded £16k in Pizza Hut sexual harassment case
A 17-year-old schoolgirl receptionist at a Pizza Hut Delivery branch in east London has been awarded £15,800 after winning a...
So… can employers enhance maternity pay but not shared parental pay?
Recent tribunal decisions have provided some guidance on the legalities of offering enhanced maternity but not enhanced shared parental pay....
Government dress code guidance dismissed as ‘Janet and John’
The Government today issued guidance for employers on how they can ensure dress codes are not discriminatory. They do not...
Male employee on shared parental pay not directly discriminated against, rules EAT
It is not direct sex discrimination to offer men on shared parental leave statutory pay while at the same time...
How to use neuroscience to tackle unconscious bias
Testing for instinctive prejudices in the workplace is a controversial area. But an approach based on the functioning of the...
Senior Institute of Directors staff resign after discrimination allegations
The head of one of the UK’s longest-established business groups has defended the investigation of racism, bullying and sexism allegations...
Discrimination costs the UK £127bn a year, claims study
Discriminatory pay practices costs the UK economy £127bn in lost output every year, according to diversity and inclusion champion INvolve...
