ACAS: Discrimination and the Law

In brief

ACAS guidance on discrimination at work, covering all protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Explains direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and the employer's duty to prevent discrimination. Provides practical advice on policies, procedures, and handling complaints.

Key provisions

• holding-1 — Types of discrimination explained: Practical guidance explaining the different types of discrimination prohibited by the Equality Act: direct, indirect, harassment, victimisation, and discrimination arising from disability.
• holding-2 — Employer responsibilities: Sets out employer responsibilities: preventing discrimination, providing training, handling complaints, and taking reasonable steps to avoid liability.
• holding-3 — Handling discrimination complaints: Guidance on handling discrimination complaints: investigation processes, confidentiality, timescales, and outcomes.
• holding-4 — Reasonable adjustments: Explains the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, including how the duty interacts with other protected characteristics.

When relevant

Baseline employer guidance on anti-discrimination duties. Useful for organisations at the start of their trans inclusion journey who need to understand their fundamental legal obligations.