The Nine Protected Characteristics
The law only protects you from discrimination if the unfair treatment is because of one of these nine specific characteristics.
Age
Being treated unfairly because you are "too old" or "too young." Protects all age groups.
Example: Overlooked for promotion because your manager assumes you are "nearing retirement."
Disability
A physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term negative effect on daily activities. Employers must make reasonable adjustments.
Example: Dismissed for sickness absence related to your disability.
Gender Reassignment
Protects you if you are transitioning, have transitioned, or are proposing to do so. No medical procedure is required.
Example: Colleagues deliberately use your former pronoun after you have transitioned.
Marriage & Civil Partnership
Protection from being treated unfairly because you are married or in a civil partnership.
Example: Made redundant over an unmarried colleague because your employer assumes you are "less in need."
Pregnancy & Maternity
Protection from unfavourable treatment because you are pregnant, have a pregnancy-related illness, or are on maternity leave.
Example: Selected for redundancy because you are on maternity leave.
Race
Protection from unfair treatment because of your race, colour, nationality, or ethnic or national origins.
Example: Subjected to "banter" or jokes about your nationality which you find offensive.
Religion or Belief
Protection from unfair treatment because of your religious or philosophical beliefs, or your lack of a particular belief.
Example: Team socials are always held at a pub on Friday, excluding staff whose religion forbids alcohol.
Sex
Protection from being treated unfairly because you are a man or a woman.
Example: A manager makes sexist comments about a female colleague's promotion.
Sexual Orientation
Protection from unfair treatment because of your sexual orientation — bisexual, gay, heterosexual, or lesbian.
Example: Not invited to client events because your manager feels it would be "uncomfortable."
The Four Types of Discrimination
Having a protected characteristic alone is not enough — you must also show you suffered one of these four types of discrimination.
1. Direct Discrimination
Being treated less favourably than someone else because of a protected characteristic. This is the most obvious form.
2. Indirect Discrimination
When an employer applies a rule or policy to everyone, but it has the effect of putting people with a particular protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage.
3. Harassment
Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating your dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. It does not matter if the person intended to harass you — the effect on you is what matters.
4. Victimisation
Being treated badly because you have made or supported a complaint about discrimination. This is known as carrying out a "protected act."
What to Do Next
- Reflect on your situation: Use our Was I Discriminated Against? checker
- Gather your proof: Use the Evidence Checker Toolkit
- Raise a formal complaint: Follow the Grievance Survival Toolkit
- Consider a legal claim: Read the Employment Tribunal Toolkit