Equality Act 2010: What do you need to know?

The Equality Act 2010 brings together nine separate pieces of legislation into one single Act, simplifying the law and strengthening it in important ways to help tackle discrimination and inequality.

The Act provides a cross-cutting legislative framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society. 

The provisions of the Equality Act are being brought into force at different times to allow time for the people and organisations affected by the new laws to prepare for them.  Most of the provisions came into force on 1 October 2010. 

For more detailed information have a look at the various “Quick Start” guides on the Government Equalities Office website.  These simple guides set out clearly what the new laws will mean for business, the public sector, the voluntary sector and the public, helping people understand their new responsibilities and rights in the work place and when providing or accessing goods or services.