Equality and diversity > Employment Law Legislation

The UK regulates equality in the workplace through employment law statutes such as the Employment Rights Act 1996 which includes the right not to suffer detriment in employment and maternity rights. Additionally the UK has obligations as a member of the European Union to implement EC law in the UK. The EC Equal Treatment Directive (which deals with equal opportunities in the workplace in relation to issues of religion, sexual orientation, age and disability).

Council Directive 2000/78/EC is currently in the process of being implemented into UK law through separate Statutory Instruments, process will be complete around 2007. It has already resulted in the below. Note: Act as originally enacted on OPSI website.

Statutory Instruments are often amended over time.

• Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
• Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003