Frequently asked questions
What is happening about the ban on age discrimination in the provision of services?
It was announced on 12 June 2012 that we intend to implement the age discrimination ban in services and the provision of public functions on 1 October 2012.
Do I have to employ a gay person if homosexuality is against my religion or belief?
Generally, the Equality Act prohibits discrimination in employment against people because of their sexual orientation. In certain circumstances, churches and other organised religions can choose not to appoint a person because of their sexual orientation where the job being filled is, for example, a Minister of the religion and the appointment of a gay person would conflict with the religion's doctrine or would offend a significant number of its followers. But this only applies where the job in question is closely connected to the core purpose of the organised religion. So it would not apply to the appointment of a cleaner or accountant, for example.
Does the Equality Act allow the use of positive discrimination?
No. Positive discrimination means favouring someone solely because he or she has a particular protected characteristic - for example, their gender or their race. Positive discrimination is generally unlawful in the UK and there are currently no plans to change that position. However, positive action is legal and entirely voluntary, and can be taken to overcome disadvantage, meet a need or encourage participation in a certain activity.
Does the public sector Equality Duty require Equality Impact Assessments?
There has never been a formal legal requirement to produce formal Equality Impact Assessments and no formal requirement exists in the new public sector Equality Duty. Public bodies have the flexibility to move away from publishing long, formulaic documents, often produced after decisions have been made, and towards genuinely focussing on delivering equal treatment and equal opportunities for all. In having due regard, there must be evidence that the relevant equality issues have been considered. This can be shown in a variety of ways, such as in the minutes of a meeting where the issue was discussed, or by the publication of the data that supported a key decision.
Are councils legally required to carry out 'lifestyle' or 'diversity' surveys of residents?
No. Such surveys are not a legal requirement. The Equality Duty in the Equality Act encourages councils to understand how different people will be affected by their activities, so their policies and services are appropriate and accessible to all. It is up to individual councils to decide how to go about doing this. Where surveys are used as part of this process they should be relevant, proportionate and cost effective.
What is the latest information on the public sector Specific Duties regulations?
The Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 came into force on 10 September 2011. The specific duties ensure that public bodies are transparent about how they are complying with the public sector Equality Duty. This means that public bodies will be accountable to the people and communities that they serve.
The specific duties require public bodies to publish:
- information to demonstrate their compliance with the Equality Duty, at least annually by 31 January 2012 (for schools by 6 April 2012); and
- equality objectives, at least every four years (by 6 April 2012)More information on the public sector Equality Duty and the specific duties regulations
Why hasn't Section 78, which would require employers to publish gender pay information, been commenced?
The government has said that it will not require employers to publish information relating to the gender pay gap while it is working with business to increase transparency on a voluntary basis.
More information on the gender pay gapWhy aren't you making it mandatory for employers to publish gender pay information now?
The government believes a voluntary approach will give better information and is more likely to drive positive changes. We will annually review the number of companies releasing information and its quality to make sure it is working. If not we will look at alternatives such as commencing or amending Section 78 of the act.
More information on the gender pay gapWhy hasn't Section 14 on dual discrimination been commenced?
The decision was announced in the government's Plan for Growth and in the Budget statement as one of many ways to reduce the cost of regulation on businesses. It will save businesses approximately �3 million each year.
What can I do if I have experienced discrimination because of a combination of protected characteristics?
If, for example, you are a black woman or a Muslim man, and you are unsure which protected characteristic the discrimination relates to you can still bring one or more single characteristic claims.