AGE

Age discrimination is where you’re treated unfairly because of your age or because you’re part of a particular age group.

Find out more information here
Source: Equality & Human Rights Commission

CARING RESPONSIBILITIES

The Equality Act includes new measures designed to protect carers of disabled- or elderly people from discrimination and harassment. This is sometimes called "discrimination by association".

Find out more information here
Source: Government Equalities Office

DISABILITY

The law says you must not be discriminated against because of your disability.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

DISABILITY: SOMETHING CONNECTED TO YOUR DISABILITY

If you’ve been treated unfairly by someone because of something connected to your disability, you may have been discriminated against.

Find out more about discrimination arising from disability here
Source: Citizens Advice

GENDER REASSIGNMENT

The law says you mustn’t be discriminated against because you’re a transsexual person. For more information on this, click the link below.

Find out more information here
Source: Equality & Human Rights Commission

MENTAL HEALTH

This link sets out the law of disability discrimination and how this might apply to people with mental illnesses when they are at work, applying for jobs or using services.

Find out more information here
Source: Rethink Mental Illness

PREGNANCY OR MATERNITY

If someone treats you unfairly because you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or because you’ve recently given birth, you may have been discriminated against.

Find out more information about pregnancy and maternity discrimination here
Source: Citizens Advice

RACE DISCRIMINATION

The law says you must not be discriminated against because of your race.

Find out more information here
Source: Equality & Human Rights Commission

RACE: IF YOU ARE A GYPSY OR TRAVELLER

If you’re a Gypsy or Traveller, you may be protected against race discrimination.
This link gives more information. You may also find useful information under our Healthcare, Housing and education sections below.

Find out more information here
Source: Friends, Families & Travellers

RELIGION OR BELIEF DISCRIMINATION

The law says you must not be discriminated against because of your religion or belief.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

SEX / GENDER DISCRIMINATION

The law says you must not be discriminated against on the basis of your gender.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

The law says you mustn’t be discriminated against because you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. This is called discrimination because of sexual orientation.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

DISCRIMINATION AT WORK – OVERVIEW

To find out more about how to decide if something is unlawful discrimination at work, click here
Source: Citizens Advice

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION AT WORK?

If you've been treated unfairly at work or when applying for a job, it may be unlawful discrimination.

For an explanation of the different types of unlawful discrimination that are in the workplace, click here
Source: gov.uk

WHAT DOESN'T COUNT AS DISCRIMINATION AT WORK?

There are some situations where it's not unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you.

Check whether your problem counts as discrimination here

Source: Citizens Advice

ABSENCE FROM WORK BECAUSE OF GENDER REASSIGNMENT

If you need to take time off work because of gender reassignment, you're protected against discrimination by your employer.

Find out more about gender reassignment discrimination if you're absent from work here
Source: Citizens Advice

COMMON SITUATIONS

In this section you will find common situations where you might have been discriminated against at work. It also includes information on bullying and harassment at work.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

DISCRIMINATION AT WORK - OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

There are situations where it's lawful for the employer to require a job to be done by someone with a particular characteristic, if having this characteristic is an occupational requirement for this job.

Find out more information here
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission

BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AT WORK

Read this page to find out about things you should think about before taking action against your employer.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

TAKING ACTION ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AT WORK

A flowchart to help you decide whether to take action about discrimination at work can be found here
Source: Citizens Advice

COMPLAINING ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AT WORK

Find out about complaining to your employer about unlawful discrimination here
Source: Equality & Human Rights Commission

COMPLAINING ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AT WORK IF YOU'RE AN AGENCY WORKER

If you're an agency worker it may be difficult to know who you should complain to.

To find out more about who you should complain to if you're an agency worker, click here
Source: Acas

MEDIATION

You may be able to resolve your discrimination problem by using mediation. Mediation is where an independent and impartial person called a mediator helps both sides reach an agreement.

Find out more information here
Source: Acas

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION

If you’ve been dismissed because you’ve been off work sick, or your disability leaves you unable to do your job, you may be a victim of unlawful disability discrimination.

Find out more about disability discrimination and dismissal here 
Source: Citizens Advice

There is more information on dismissal in our WORK and EMPLOYMENT section.

TAKING LEGAL ACTION ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AT WORK

This link explains about making a discrimination claim in the employment tribunal and how to get evidence to support your case. There is also information about the legal tests applied in deciding whether you have been discriminated against.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

EDUCATION

There is more general information in our EDUCATION section.

Overview of Discrimination in Education

This link provides information if you’re treated unfairly by an education provider (whether a school, college or university) and it’s because of who you are.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Disability Discrimination in Schools

In some situations, schools must also take positive steps so that disabled pupils can access and participate in the education and other activities they provide.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Sex Discrimination in Education

You have the right not to be discriminated against because of your sex in education or when you apply for a place on a course or at a school or college.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Making Reasonable Adjustments

Schools and education authorities have a duty to provide auxiliary aids and services for disabled pupils. The Equality and Human Rights Commission have produced a guide that focuses on the practical implementation of the Reasonable Adjustments duty that schools have.

To access the Guide, click here
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Taking Action About Discrimination in Education

If you or your child has been discriminated against by a school, college or university, you may be able to take action against them under the Equality Act.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

HEALTHCARE

You can find further information in our HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE section

Taking Action About Discrimination in Health and Care Services

If you’ve experienced discrimination by a health or care provider, there are things you can do. You’ll need to think about what outcome you want and how quickly you need to get a result.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

GOODS AND SERVICES

You can find further information in our CONSUMER section

Discrimination in Goods and Services – Overview

If you’re treated unfairly by someone providing goods and services like a shop, bank, energy provider or local authority and it’s because of who you are, it may be unlawful discrimination.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Identifying Discrimination in the Provision of Goods and Services

This section will help you find out if something is unlawful discrimination when you buy or receive goods and services.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Goods and Services - What are the Different Types of Discrimination?

This section explains what the different types of unlawful discrimination are when you buy or receive goods and services.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Disability Discrimination and Debt Problems

Service providers, like banks or utility companies mustn’t discriminate against you if you’re disabled.

Find out more information about unlawful disability discrimination by a service provider if you have debt problems here
Source: Citizens Advice

Disability Discrimination and Energy Providers

If you’re disabled, your energy provider mustn’t discriminate against you. If you’ve been discriminated against you may be able to do something about it.

Find out more about unlawful disability discrimination by an energy provider here
Source: Citizens Advice

Goods and Services - when Discrimination is not Unlawful

The Equality Act allows for some exceptions - situations where discrimination isn't unlawful. 
Read this page to find out more about when an organisation is allowed to discriminate against you in the provision of services.

Source: Citizens Advice

HOUSING

You can find further information in our HOUSING section.

Overview of Discrimination in Housing

If you’re treated unfairly - for example, by a landlord or estate agent, when you’re renting or buying a property and it’s because of who you are, it may be unlawful discrimination.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Identifying Discrimination in Housing

This section will help you find out if something is unlawful discrimination when you're renting, buying or living in a property.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Discrimination in housing - Finding a Home to Rent

The law says private and social housing landlords mustn’t discriminate against you when you apply to rent a property.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Discrimination in Housing - Eviction Because of Rent Arrears

The law says a landlord mustn’t discriminate against you if they want to evict you because of rent arrears. In particular, if you’re disabled your landlord must take steps to make sure you’re not disadvantaged because of your disability.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Discrimination in Housing - Gypsies and Travellers

The law says private and social housing landlords, including local authorities and housing associations, mustn’t discriminate against you when you’re renting or living in a property. This includes if you’re living in a caravan or mobile home.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Taking Action About Discrimination in Housing

For an explanation of what you can do if you've been discriminated against when renting, buying or living in a property, click here
Source: Citizens Advice

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS

You can find further information in our CONSUMER section

Discrimination - What are Private Members' Clubs and Associations?

In general, clubs and associations aren’t allowed to discriminate against you because of things like sex, race or disability under the Equality Act 2010. This includes private members' clubs and associations.

To find out more about what counts as a private members' club or association, click here
Source: Gov.uk

Discrimination by Private Members' Clubs and Associations – Overview

If you’re treated unfairly by a private members' club or association it may be unlawful discrimination.

Find out more information here 
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Private Members' Clubs and Associations - Reasonable Adjustments

In some situations, clubs and associations must take steps to remove the barriers you face because of your disability, if you want to become a member or enjoy the benefits of membership.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION GIVEN BY A PUBLIC AUTHORITY

You can find further information in our LEGAL section

Discrimination in Services and Public Functions – Overview

If you're treated unfairly by a public sector organisation or a public authority, like Stockton Borough Council or Cleveland Police, it could be unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act..

Find out more about what can count as unlawful discrimination by a public authority here
Source: Citizens Advice

Discrimination in Services and Public Functions - What's Meant by Public Functions?

Public authorities, like Stockton Borough Council or Cleveland Police, mustn’t discriminate against you when they carry out their work. Some of the things public authorities do are services to the public - for example, the provision of libraries or leisure facilities. Other things - such as law enforcement or the collection of taxes - are called public functions under the law.

Find out more about what’s meant by public functions here
Source: Citizens Advice

When Must Public Authorities Make Reasonable Adjustments?

Read this page to find out more about public authorities’ (like Cleveland Police or Stockton Borough Council) duty to make reasonable adjustments when they carry out public functions.

Find out more information here
Source: Citizens Advice

Public Functions - when Discrimination is not Unlawful

The Equality Act allows for some exceptions - situations where discrimination isn't unlawful. 
Read this page to find out more about when a public authority is allowed to discriminate against you when they carry out public functions.

Source: Citizens Advice

Services Provided by a Public Authority - Complaining About Discrimination

If you’ve experienced discrimination by a public authority you can make a complaint to them about the way you were treated.

Find out more information about making a complaint about discrimination by public authority here
Source: Citizens Advice

Disability Discrimination and Welfare Benefits

If you're disabled, public authorities like the Jobcentre or the Department for Work and Pensions mustn’t discriminate against you when they make decisions about your benefits.

To find out more about disability discrimination when you apply for benefits, click here
Source: Citizens Advice

You will get further information about benefit generally from our BENEFITS section

Stockton Borough Council -Equality, Diversity and Community Cohesion

Stockton Borough Council are committed to the promotion of equality and diversity as well as fostering strong and cohesive communities while ensuring that all our services are fully accessible to all Stockton residents. They will achieve this by removing both direct- and indirect discrimination wherever it is found.

Find out more information here
Source: Stockton Borough Council

Services Provided by a Public Authority - Taking Legal Action About Discrimination

Find out more about taking legal action against a public authority here
Source: Citizens Advice

WHAT ARE HATE INCIDENTS AND HATE CRIME?

Hate incidents and hate crime are acts of violence or hostility directed at people because of who they are or who someone thinks they are. For example, you may have been verbally abused by someone in the street because you’re disabled or someone thought you were gay.

To find out more about hate incidents and hate crime, click here

To download a leaflet on hate crime, click here

Source: Citizens Advice, Victim Support

INTERNET HATE CRIME

Information on how to deal with offensive material and hate content online can be found here
Source: True Vision

DISABILITY HATE CRIME

If someone has been violent or hostile towards you because you’re disabled, you have been the victim of a hate incident.

Find out more information about disability hate incidents and hate crime and what you can do about it here
Source: Disability Rights UK

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND TRANSGENDER IDENTITY HATE CRIME

If someone has been violent or hostile towards you because of your sexual orientation, this is known as a homophobic hate incident.

To learn more about homophobic or transphobic hate crime and incidents - and what you can do about it - click here
Source: Stop Hate UK

WHAT ARE RACIST OR RELIGIOUS HATE INCIDENTS?

Something is a racist or religious hate incident if the victim or anyone else thinks it was carried out because of hostility or prejudice based on race or religion.

Find out more information here
Source: True Vision

HOW TO REPORT HATE CRIME IN STOCKTON ON TEES

You can report any offensive incident or hate crime that you have suffered, or witnessed on behalf of someone else. The different types of offensive incidents or hate crime can also include damage, assault, verbal abuse and harassment even if you do not want us to take any further action. 

To report a hate crime via the Council website, click here

To report a hate crime to Cleveland Police, click here

Source: Stockton Borough Council, Cleveland Police

PROBLEMS REPORTING A HATE INCIDENT OR HATE CRIME

When you report an incident or a crime, the police may not treat it specifically as a hate incident or a hate crime.

To find out what you can do if you’re having problems when reporting a hate incident or hate crime, click here and scroll down
Source: Citizens Advice

PODCASTS AND VIDEOS

Discrimination advice in BSL can be found here
Source: Citizens Advice

FAQs

FAQs about discrimination can be found here
Source: Equality and human Rights Commission

FAQs about Default Retirement Age can be found here
Source: Age UK

FACT SHEETS

Discrimination

For a variety of fact sheets on discrimination, click here

Easy Read: What to Do if You are a Victim of Hate Crime

This link will allow you to access a leaflet on hate crime. You can download an Easy Read guide on what you can do if you are a victim of hate crime here

Equality in Education

This guidance explains your equality rights as a student in further or higher education.

Find out more information here
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Service Users' Guidance

Guidance for service users about their rights under the Equality Act 2010 can be found here
Source: Equality and Human Rights Commission

NATIONAL HELPLINES

ACAS Helpline
The ACAS Helpline provides free and impartial advice for employers, employees and representatives on a range of employment relations, employment rights, HR and management issues.
Telephone: 0300 123 1100

Action on Elder Abuse
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) works to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults. The helpline provides information, advice and support to victims and others who are concerned about or have witnessed abuse
Telephone: 080 8808 8141

Equality Advisory Support Service Discrimination Helpline
The EASS helpline is for people who think they may have experienced discrimination You can call the helpline directly, but it's best if you go to an advice organisation first. They can then make contact with the service on your behalf.
Telephone: 0808 800 0082

Stonewall
Stonewall's free information service can answer your questions about gay rights. 
Telephone: 08000 50 20 20

Stop Learning Disability Hate Crime Helpline
Support and information on learning disability hate crime. The helpline is open 24 hours a day. 
Telephone 0808 802 1155

Tell MAMA
A service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse
Telephone: 0800 456 1226

Community Security Trust
A service if you are the victim of an anti-Semitic incident or you have information regarding an anti-Semitic incident that happened to somebody else
Telephone 0161 792 6666

Citizens Advice
Advice by phone is available from Citizens Advice
Telephone: 0808 278 7986

WEBSITES USED IN THIS SECTION

ACAS

ACAS provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.
www.acas.org.uk

Citizens Advice
The Adviceguide website is the main public information service of Citizens Advice, providing people with round-the-clock access to CAB information on their rights - including benefits, housing and employment, and on debt, consumer and legal issues.
www.adviceguide.org.uk

Equality and Human Rights Commission
The EHRC seeks to uphold people’s rights, value diversity and challenge intolerance.
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/about-us/who-we-are

NHS
Everything you need to know about NHS Choices, its services and how to get the most out of it.
www.nhs.uk 

Rethink
Provides expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems. www.rethink.org

Stockton Borough Council
The Local Authority site for Stockton on Tees
www.stockton.gov.uk