Since the 1970’s, successive UK governments have promoted equal opportunities within the workplace through the introduction of equal pay and discrimination legislation, and also by the establishment of related government agencies such as the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission.

There are a number of pieces of legislation that have a significant influence on equal opportunities in employment within the UK at the present time.Whilst legislation protects individual employees or groups of employees against discrimination at work, equal opportunity can only be achieved in the workplace by adopting fair and consistent people management practices and by ensuring that employees understand the principles of equality and discrimination. 

This category primarily covers general equal opportunity, sex and race discrimination, religious discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination. Follow these links for guidance on disability discrimination and/or age discrimination.

Click on the links below for guidance on the legislation and for practical advice on how to avoid discrimination in the workplace.