Useful Terms - diversity in the workplace
- Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2004
- Occupational requirements
- Parental Rights
- Protected characteristics
Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2004
The Civil Partnership Act, which came into effect on 5 December 2005, gave civil partners the same status as spouses and they may not be discriminated against on grounds of their civil partner status. For example, any benefits such as private medical insurance, provided by employers to employees' spouses must also be extended to employee's civil partners.
The CPA enables two people of the same sex to gain legal recognition of their relationship by entering into a civil partnership. Only same-sex couples can enter into a civil partnership, so the CPA did not create any new rights for unmarried heterosexual couples. A civil partnership is formed when the individuals register as civil partners by signing a civil partnership document before a registrar and two witnesses.
Occupational requirements
are allowed where it can be shown, in very limited circumstances, that there is a requirement for the work to be carried out by someone with a protective characteristic, for example requiring a male black actor to play the role of Othello for authenticity.
Parental Rights
There are a raft of special rights afforded to pregnant women and legislation which creates family-friendly rights such as adoption, paternity and parental leave; the right to request flexible working arrangements; and the right to unpaid time off work to deal with emergencies. Only employees working under contracts of employment are entitled to these rights but those classified as workers are protected from discrimination. Further information on the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service website.
Protected characteristics
It is unlawful to discriminate in employment, provision of goods, services, facilities, education and housing because of a protected characteristics, ie:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Gender-re-assignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Pregnancy or Maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
UKCAE Members Library
Membership of UKCAE provides secure access to a unique Equality Library comprising explanations, advice, solutions and further guidance, constantly updated and amended.