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the grounds of pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment and marriage and civil partnership was set out in the now repealed Sex Discrimination Act 1975.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.
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...
Why there is no quick fix for the gender pay gap
As the deadlines for gender pay gap reporting edge closer, organisations yet to report will be thinking carefully about how...
Why supporting all carers benefits men, women and business
Recent research showing how women and men continue to struggle to achieve the right balance between their work and family...
Changes to judges’ pension scheme found to be discriminatory at EAT
A group of judges have won their Employment Appeal Tribunal case, which found that transitional arrangements to a new public...
Woman paid less than male colleague wins equal pay claim
A female manager who was paid £7,680 a year less than a male colleague, despite doing the same job, last...
Google faces class action claim over white male discrimination
Two former Google employees have accused the company of discriminating against white conservative men in a class action claim.
Report calls for action on women’s health issues at work
A recent report from the Work Foundation is appealing for an end to stigma surrounding women’s health issues at work,...
Jewish teacher sacked for ‘living in sin’ wins discrimination claim
A school teacher has won a religious and sex discrimination claim against an Orthodox Jewish nursery which dismissed her for...
Sexual harassment: how to make staff take complaints seriously
The Harvey Weinstein scandal has once again placed the spotlight on sexual harassment reporting. Victims of sexual harassment are often...
Sex discrimination: female chef excluded from working at all-male barbecue
An employment tribunal held that a female chef was discriminated against when she was rejected for extra work at a...
