What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

The Equality Act 2010 brought together and strengthened previous anti-discrimination legislation in England, Wales, and Scotland. It identifies nine protected characteristics against which discrimination in employment and other areas is unlawful. Age: protection against less favourable treatment on grounds of any age, not just older workers. Disability: a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Gender reassignment: protection for anyone who proposes to undergo, is undergoing, or has undergone a process of reassigning their sex. Marriage and civil partnership: protection against discrimination because someone is married or in a civil partnership (applies in employment only). Pregnancy and maternity: protection during pregnancy and the period of maternity leave. Race: includes colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins. Religion or belief: includes any religion, lack of religion, and similar philosophical belief. Sex: protection against less favourable treatment because of being male or female. Sexual orientation: protection regardless of whether someone is heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Employers have a positive duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. Some employers also have broader Public Sector Equality Duty obligations. Discrimination claims must be brought within three months of the act complained of.