Equal Opportunities

Equality of opportunity means that everyone has the same rights regardless of their nationality, race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation etc. Equal opportunities also protects people against prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of their perceived 'difference'.

There are a number of laws which concern equal opportunities:

The Sex Discrimination Act (1975)
This prohibits sex (gender) discrimination in accessing employment, education, provision of goods and services etc. It also prevents discrimination against married people and pregnant women, particularly in the area of employment.
Certain jobs are, however, not included in the act - for example, male actors may be specified in job advertisements if the character required is a male.
For more information, contact the Equal Opportunities Helpline on 0845 6015901 or check out the Equal Opportunities Commission Website

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
The DDA covers a whole range of issues relating to discrimination against disabled people, for example, access to employment, education, provision of goods and services etc. For more information contact the Disability Rights Commission Helpline on 0845 7622 633 or check out their website.

Race Relations Act
In addition to other issues, the race relations act covers racial discrimination and prejudice against people on the grounds of race, nationality, ethnic origin or citizenship. As well as access to employment, education and provision of goods and services, racial Discrimination takes into account a whole range of 'activities' including victimisation, abuse and harassment, intolerance of religious/racial customs (e.g. wearing garments such as saris, turbans) etc. For more information, contact the Commission for Racial Equality on 020 7939 0000

Discrimination on grounds of gender reassignment
Special provisions are in force to prevent discrimination against people who have undergone or are undergoing treatment to change their sex/gender.

Age Discrimination
From 2006 employers can no longer discriminate against staff due to their age but instead must show that they make decisions based on peoples' abilities. For young people this means that they cannot be refused a job interview due to their age except where legislation prevents them from doing the job (for example when they have to be 18 for insurance purposes).

Sexual Orientation (Lesbians and Gays) Discrimination - Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
It is illegal to discriminate against people on grounds of sexual orientation. For more information, check out Directgov’s advice pages

What can you if you're being discriminated against?

If you or anyone you know if being discriminated against, please report the incident as soon as possible to an appropriate person/service e.g. your manager, your college lecturer, the police, a specialist organisation and seek advice on how to proceed with your concerns - you might like to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or the Equal Opportunities Helpline on 0845 6015091 or check out the Equal Opportunities Commission Website