What is a Protected Characteristic?

The law does not allow an employer (or their staff) to treat someone less favourably because of a ‘protected characteristic‘.

There are 9 protected characteristics. These are set out in the Equality Act 2010.

1.  Age

This refers to a person belonging to a particular age (e.g. 32-year-olds) or range of ages (e.g. 18 – 30-year-olds, over 65, etc).

2. Disability

A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

3.  Gender reassignment

The process of transitioning from one gender to another.

4. Marriage and civil partnership

An employer should not treat people less favourably based on their marital status or whether they’re in a civil partnership.

5. Pregnancy and maternity

This covers the full term of pregnancy and the period after the birth.

6. Race

This means a group of people defined by their race, colour,  nationality, ethnicity or national origins.

7. Religion and belief

Religion has the meaning usually given to it. Belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs, including lack of belief (e.g. atheism)

8.         Sex

Whether an employee is a man or a woman.

9.         Sexual orientation

Whether a person’s sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes.

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Andrew Crisp is the Principal Solicitor at Mason Bullock Solicitors, where he specialises in employment law and dispute resolution. With over two decades of legal experience, Andrew has built a reputation for his expertise in advising employees on settlement agreements and helping clients navigate complex litigation processes, including the removal of County Court Judgments (CCJs).