Revision Reading and Matching Exercise

Spend 15 minutes reading and taking notes on the reading then complete the matching exercise. When all done print for your folder.

Discrimination and the Law Revision Notes

Discrimination and the Law
The Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA) makes certain kinds of discrimination unlawful in employment, education and in the provision of goods and services.
In relation to employment it covers discrimination on the grounds of
race
colour;
nationality;
ethnic origin (groups with a long shared history and culture including Romany gypsies, Sikhs, Jews); or
national origin e.g. a Greek Cypriot's nationality is Cypriot, but Greek by national origin.
It applies in England, Scotland and Wales. Separate, but very similar legislation relates to Northern Ireland.
Although the RRA covers some religious groups, it does not cover religion per se.
Who is protected in the employment field?
job applicants;
employees;
self-employed;
contract workers;
What are they protected from?
Discrimination;
Victimisation;
Harassment.
What are the remedies?
Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against, harassed or victimised can bring a claim to an employment tribunal. If the tribunal finds in favour of the individual, they can make a recommendation, declaration or award compensation.
What else?
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, places a duty on public sector employers to promote racial equality, and provides for the Home Secretary to impose by Order certain specific requirements.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (SDA) makes certain kinds of discrimination unlawful in employment, education and in the provision of goods and services.
In relation to employment it covers discrimination on the grounds of:
gender, i.e.: male or female;
marriage;
gender reassignment (transsexualism).
It applies in England, Scotland and Wales. Separate, but very similar legislation relates to Northern Ireland.
Who is protected in the employment field?
job applicants;
employees;
self-employed;
contract workers;
in some circumstances, voluntary workers.
Ex-employees are protected from victimisation. Victimisation or unfair treatment after someone has left - such as refusing to provide a reference because someone has taken proceedings, is unlawful.
What are they protected from?
Discrimination;
Victimisation;
Harassment.
What are the remedies?
Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against, harassed or victimised can bring a claim to an employment tribunal. If the tribunal finds in favour of the individual, they can make a recommendation, declaration or award compensation.
Where a sex discrimination claim is brought, once the claimant has established the facts to show a possible case, it is then for the employer to prove that there has been no sex discrimination
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 makes discrimination against disabled people unlawful, both in respect of employment, education, and access to goods, facilities, services and premises.
A disabled person is:
Anyone who has a "physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day to day activities". People who have had a disability within the terms of the definition are protected even if they have since recovered.
The DDA applies to the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland in relation to employment;
It currently applies to employers with 15 or more employees (with some exceptions), although the Government has announced its intention to abolish this exemption in 2004.
Who is protected in the employment field?
job applicants;
employees;
self-employed people working under a contract personally to provide services;
contract workers;
What are they protected from?
Discrimination (generally including harassment);
Victimisation.


What else?
Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate people with disabilities in order to help overcome the practical effects of their disabilities. It obliges an employer to consider removing the disadvantage caused by the nature of any individual disability, both for job applicants and employees.
What are the remedies?
Individuals who feel they have been discriminated against or victimised can bring a claim to an employment tribunal. If the tribunal finds in favour of the individual, they can make a recommendation, declaration or award compensation.
Exceptions
The DDA employment provision do not currently apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, nor to the following occupations: business partners, prison/police officers, Armed Forces, fire-fighters, barristers, local councillors and work on board aircraft, hovercraft or ships. However, in March 2001 the Government announced its intention to abolish the small employer exemption in October 2004 and, with the exception of the Armed Forces, bring all currently excluded occupations within the scope of disability discrimination legislation when Parliamentary time allows.
Goods, facilities, service and premises
These provisions apply to businesses however small. Businesses may have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers but the provisions are not exactly the same as for employers.