The Equality Act 2010 makes it against the law to discriminate against a person who has a protected characteristic. These characteristics include sex, religion, or age. Discrimination can occur anywhere but as HR consultants, we’re specifically talking about protected characteristics in the workplace. This blog explains the protected characteristics, how discrimination can occur, how employers can avoid discrimination, and how Metis HR can help you stay compliant. Protected Characteristics In The Workplace Formed to replace separate anti-discrimination laws with one easy to understand Act, The Equality Act 2010 provides people with legal protection against discrimination in the workplace and wider society. 9 protective characteristics are set out in the Equality Act 2010. These are: age disability gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief sex sexual orientation Workplace Discrimination As mentioned, the Equality Act protects people at work as well as in society. Workplace discrimination disputes arise when an employer has acted unfairly towards an employee, or potential employee based on a protected characteristic. Discrimination isn’t always intentional, and employers can inadvertently discriminate against employees or potential employees. If this isn’t picked up until it is too late it can sever trust with employees, damage […]
Today marks World Suicide Awareness Day and there is a desperate need for more mental health and suicide awareness in the workplace. Every year between 5,500 and 6,000 people in Britain end their own lives. This is more than three times the number of people who die on our roads. Suicide is the leading cause of deaths in men under the age of 50 and men are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than women. Women in their early twenties are more likely to try and end their lives than other female age groups. And anyone who falls into a protected characteristic group (such as race, religion, sexual orientation etc) are also more susceptible to suicide due to possible previous experiences of bullying and harassment because of discrimination. Fortunately, this is something that most employers will never encounter. However, the potential risk of suicide is an important one and can often be linked to issues such as workplace stress, bullying or harassment. Suicide and work is a growing public health concern. There are a number of things that employers can do to try to prevent any employee feeling that they need to end their own lives. There are plenty […]
HR Support for Small Businesses is a typical example of where you as a business owner need some help sometimes. guru Peter Drucker said ‘Do what you do best and outsource the rest’. Wise man. For most small businesses it makes sense to buy in some services on as ‘as required’ basis and HR is a prime example If you are looking for HR support for small businesses, in our opinion you need to outsource to a company that will look after your best interests as a business. How can you do this? We have three pointers that may make your choice easier You want high quality service Some outsourced HR support for small businesses take a one-size-fits-all approach. We can see it when we take on a new HR client from one of these companies, and can tell you exactly which company it was by looking at the paperwork! Contracts, handbooks, policies, they’re identical, all they’ve done is change the Company name. A good outsourced company will want to take the time to understand your business and what you want to achieve. You will likely want to satisfy yourself that its consultants are practical and business-driven; that they can […]
