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Equal Opportunities

To be treated equally is a basic right for everyone. If you are being treated unfairly due to someone else’s prejudices, this is known as discrimination. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of their race, colour, nationality, national origin, ethnicity, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age. Discrimination of any kind can include physical attacks, verbal abuse or written abuse.

Racial equality
The Race Relations Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on the grounds of race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), or ethnic or national origin. It applies to:
  • Jobs
  • Training
  • Housing
  • Education
  • The provision of goods, facilities and services
For more information, visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website at www.equalityhumanrights.com or call them on 0845 604 6610. If you think you are being discriminated against, seek advice and act on it. Keeping quiet won't solve the problem.

Sexual equality
Both males and females can be discriminated against and both are entitled to equality. The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act made it illegal to treat people differently because of their sex. Unfortunately, sexual discrimination does still occur.

Whether you are at school or work or a consumer, know your rights. Check out the Equality and Human Rights Commission website at www.equalityhumanrights.com for more information. If you have a query call them on 0845 604 6610. If you think you're being discriminated against, do something about it - get advice from the Commission and say something.

Disability rights
All disabled people have the same rights as able-bodied people. There are two acts that ensure discrimination against disabled people is prevented. These are the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) Act 1999.

These acts outline the rights of disabled people in the areas of employment, access to goods, facilities and services, buying or renting land or property, education and transport.

Having a disability entitles you to certain rights and help in your daily life. Check out the Equality and Human Rights Commission website at www.equalityhumanrights.com for more information, or call them on 0845 604 6610.

There is also lots of information here: www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople

This page was printed from the Connexions Cornwall and Devon website at http://www.connexions-cd.org.uk