2): The Equality Act 2010

Question 1

What are the 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 1

Age

Disability

Gender reassignment

Marriage or civil partnership

Pregnancy and maternity

Race

Religion or belief

Sex (gender)

Sexual orientation

Question 2

What are the four main types of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 2

Direct discrimination: Treating someone worse because of a protected characteristic

Indirect discrimination: A rule/policy that puts someone with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage

Harassment: Behaviour violating dignity or creating hostile/humiliating/offensive environment

Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly for complaining or supporting a complaint under the Act

Question 3

When can discrimination be justified under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 3

If the policy/rule is applied equally to all and is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim

Question 4

What duties are imposed on service providers regarding disability?

Answer 4

Duty to take reasonable steps to avoid substantial disadvantage, including:

Provision, criterion or practice: e.g. discriminatory policy

Physical feature of the workplace: e.g. lack of wheelchair ramp

Auxiliary aids: e.g. extra equipment or help

Question 5

Who is treated as a service provider under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 5

Solicitor firms and their employees, whether advice is free or paid

Must comply with anti-discrimination provisions when dealing with clients and third parties

Question 6

What conduct is unlawful for firms under the Equality Act 2010?

Answer 6

Harassing the client

Discriminating/victimising on service terms

Discriminating/victimising by denying or terminating service

Question 7

How does Principle 6 of the SRA Standards and Regulations relate to equality law?

Answer 7

Solicitors must act in a way that:

Encourages equality, diversity and inclusion

Complies with the Equality Act 2010

Positively promotes equality in all dealings