In 2010 the Labour government passed the Equality Act.
The Act consolidated and updated rights and protections included in a number of previous Acts including the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The Equality Act names 9 ‘protected characteristics’ which entitle people to protection from discrimination, either direct or indirect, based on any of these characteristics.
In response to the introduction of the Act ASLEF organised a seminar of activists from all over the country. Senior TUC Equality Officer Sally Brett told the Arkwright Road meeting that this was ‘a landmark piece of legislation’.
The Act simplifies the previous laws and strengthens them in some areas. It is important to understand the rights we have – even as we constantly see to improve and expand upon them.
Simon Weller, National Organiser
ASLEF Equalities 20 