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Essential points

  • The main legislation governing sex discrimination in the UK is the Equality Act 2010 (note that Northern Ireland has its own equality laws).
  • Sex discrimination occurs when someone is discriminated against contrary to the Equality Act 2010 due to their sex.
  • The forms of discrimination which the Equality Act renders unlawful are:
    • direct discrimination: treating someone less favourably than another because of sex;
    • indirect sex discrimination: applying a provision, criterion or practice which puts persons of one sex at a greater disadvantage and which cannot be justified;
    • associative and perceived discrimination is also included within the scope of protection;
    • harassment; and
    • victimisation.

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Please note

While every care has been taken in compiling this content, the CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice. 

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