The Equality Act 2010 is an anti-discrimination law that protects people in England from unfair treatment. It brings previous equality laws together and makes it easier to understand your rights at work, in education, when using services, and in everyday life.

At the centre of the Act are nine protected characteristics — that the law says must not be used as a reason to treat us unfairly. 

Knowing what these characteristics are can help you recognise discrimination and understand what steps you can take if something doesn’t feel right.

This page explains each protected characteristic in simple terms; with everyday examples and clear actions you can take if you think you’ve been discriminated against.

The nine protected characteristics

1. Age

Age discrimination can affect young people, older people, and everyone in between.

Example of discrimination: 

2. Disability

A disability can be a physical or mental health condition that has a long‑term impact on your daily life. This includes mental illness, fluctuating conditions, and hidden disabilities.

Example of discrimination: 

• A disability can be physical or related to your mental health. Discrimination might look like an employer refusing to make reasonable adjustments—such as offering flexible hours or quiet working space—when these would clearly help you manage your day. It could also be a service provider refusing entry to someone with an assistance dog, creating unnecessary barriers for people already navigating daily challenges. Fair treatment means understanding that disabilities aren’t always visible and ensuring support is offered without judgement. 

3. Gender reassignment

You’re protected if you’re proposing to transition, are transitioning, or have transitioned. You don’t need to have had medical treatment to be covered.

Example of discrimination: 

• If you’re transitioning or planning to transition, you’re protected. A harmful example would be colleagues repeatedly using your old name, even after you’ve clearly shared the name you want to use. Another might be being told you can’t use the facilities that match your gender. These actions can leave people feeling invalidated and unsafe. Respecting someone’s identity is a basic and important part of mental wellbeing.

4. Marriage and civil partnership

This protects people who are legally married or in a civil partnership—mainly in the workplace.

Examples of discrimination: 

• This protection mainly applies at work. Discrimination might occur if an employer offers certain benefits—like additional leave or health perks—to married staff but not to those in civil partnerships. Another example is being treated negatively for taking a short break after your wedding. Everyone’s relationships should be valued equally, and no one should feel penalised for celebrating an important moment in their life.

5. Pregnancy and maternity

Protection applies during pregnancy, maternity leave, and the period after birth. It also protects breastfeeding in public places.

Example of discrimination: 

• Pregnancy and maternity discrimination could look like having key responsibilities removed when you announce you’re expecting, even though you’re still able to perform your role. It might also happen in public places—for example, being asked to stop breastfeeding in a café. These situations can add extra stress at a time that already involves big changes. People deserve empathy, reassurance, and practical support during pregnancy, maternity leave, and beyond.

6. Race

Race includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins.

Example of discrimination: 

• Race discrimination includes unfair treatment linked to your nationality, ethnicity, or cultural background. This could be a landlord refusing to rent to someone based on where they’re from, or a workplace policy about appearance that disproportionately affects people with particular hair types or cultural styles. These experiences can undermine someone’s sense of belonging. Everyone should feel respected for who they are and the identity they bring with them.

7. Religion or belief

This includes major religions, smaller faith groups, non‑religious beliefs, and qualifying philosophical beliefs.

Example of discrimination: 

• Whether you follow a major religion, a smaller faith, a non‑religious belief, or a qualifying philosophical belief, you’re protected. Discrimination might occur if an employer refuses reasonable requests for flexible hours around religious observance without good reason. It could also involve being mocked or harassed because you do—or don’t—follow a particular belief. Understanding and respecting different beliefs helps everyone feel safe and valued.

8. Sex

This protects both men and women. 

Example of discrimination:

• This protection applies to women and men. An example would be being paid less than a colleague of a different sex for doing the same job with the same responsibilities. Another case might be discouraging men from taking parental leave, which can reinforce unhelpful stereotypes. Fair workplaces recognise that everyone has the right to equal treatment, opportunities, and support.

9. Sexual orientation

This includes being heterosexual, bisexual, lesbian or gay. It also protects people perceived to be a certain orientation.

Examples of discrimination: 

• You’re protected whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, or heterosexual—and also if someone only perceives you to belong to a certain group. Discrimination could involve being excluded from customer‑facing roles because you’re LGBTQ+, or having to deal with homophobic comments or “jokes”. These behaviours can have a real impact on mental health and sense of safety. Everyone should be able to live openly without fear of judgement.

What you can do if you think you’re being discriminated against 

If you feel you’re being treated unfairly because of one of the nine protected characteristics, you don’t have to manage the situation on your own. 

There are clear steps you can take in England to understand your rights and get support:

1. Write down what’s happened 
2. Talk to someone you trust 
3. Use formal processes if you need to 
4. Get support from ACAS (if the problem is at work) 
5. Reach out for emotional support

Discrimination can have a real impact on your mental health. It’s okay to ask for help.

Organisations like Rethink Mental Illness can offer guidance, information, and practical advice if discrimination is affecting your wellbeing. 

 For more information about the Equalities Act, visit our advice and information pages.