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Question

Difficulty: EasyFreedom from Unfair Discrimination

When a business is hiring new staff, it must follow the Equality Act 2010 to ensure all candidates are treated fairly. Which of the following is a 'protected characteristic' under this Act?

  1. Pregnancy and maternityAnswer
  2. B
    Membership of a political party
  3. C
    Previous work experience
  4. D
    The level of a person's salary

Answer

Pregnancy and maternity is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
Pregnancy and maternity is one of the nine protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010. This means it is illegal for an employer to treat a woman unfavourably because she is pregnant, has a pregnancy-related illness, or is on maternity leave.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal context of the question.
The question refers to the Equality Act 2010 and its application in recruitment.
This establishes the rules for what constitutes illegal discrimination.
2
Recall the nine protected characteristics listed in the 'Life in the United Kingdom' handbook.
The characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
The correct answer must be one of these specific categories.
3
Compare the provided options to the recalled list.
Pregnancy and maternity matches the list, while the other options do not.
This identifies the correct choice according to the Act.

Key Concept

Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Freedom from Unfair Discrimination

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