What action has the government taken on gender inequality?
The Equality Act
In Scotland and the UK, there are laws and support organisations which aim to reduce inequality across a range of different groups.
In 2010, the UK Government passed the Equality Act. Under the Equality Act it is unlawful to discriminate (treat less favourably) anyone directly or indirectly because of a ‘protected characteristic’ of which there are nine:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins
- religion or belief (including lack of belief)
- sex
- sexual orientation
What is direct discrimination?
Direct discrimination means to treated someone unfairly because of who they are e.g. to not hire someone for a job as they are female.
What is indirect discrimination?
Indirect discrimination occurs when someone is unfairly treated. For example, a job advertisement seeking a salesperson with at least 8 years of retail experience could potentially discriminate based on age, putting younger individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications at a disadvantage.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The EHRC has the job of protecting and promoting human rights and equality and tries to make sure that the Equality Act is understood by employers and the public at large. It is unlawful to pay someone less for doing the same job based on their gender and to treat someone less favourably at work or in society because of their gender.
