Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under the Equality Act?

The correct answer is that Employment Status is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. The Equality Act 2010 in the UK specifies several characteristics that are legally protected to prevent discrimination. These include age, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, and marriage and civil partnership, among others.

Employment status, while it can relate to employment rights and conditions, does not fall within the categories specifically protected by the Equality Act. This means that individuals cannot claim discrimination on the basis of their employment status in the same way they can regarding the other protected characteristics. Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping the intent and scope of the Equality Act, as it aims to ensure fair treatment across specific inherently sensitive characteristics that can define one’s identity or experiences.