Equality Law Flashcards
Definition of direct discrimination
s.13(1) EA 2010
Test to apply for cases of direct discrimination
objective test - “but for” test
Case of direct discrimination
Amnesty International v Ahmed [2009] - shows that even if an employer’s motive is benign it can still be direct discrimination
Is stereotyping direct discrimination?
Yes - per Baroness Hale in European Roma Rights Centre v Immigration Officer [2005] - “treat each person as an individual and not assumed to be like other members of the group”
What does s.13(1) EA “treats or would treat others” mean?
The ET can use an actual or hypothetical comparator –> governed by s.23 EA “no material difference” test
Leading case for direct discrimination of the protected characteristic - race
Zafar v Glasgow CC [1988] - question is whether he was treated less favourably than another similarly situated employee of a different racial group? not just whether he was treated less favourably
Two cases which used hypothetical comparators in direct discrimination claims
- Balamoody [2001]
2. Shamoon v Chief Constable of the RUC [2003]
Academic which argues the courts approach to direct discrimination cases is flawed
John Finnis - it doesn’t consider the intention and the reasoning of the employer efficiently
Recent government guidance which states it is unlawful to have gender-specific requirements e.g. wearing heels, manicured nails, make-up etc.
Government guidance on Dress Codes and Sex Discrimination in May 2018
Dress codes can have different rules so long as the treatment is not less favourable for different genders.
Smith v Safeway [1995] - butcher with ponytail
Example of associative direct discrimination
Coleman v Attridge Law [2008] - discriminated against because she was a carer for her disabled son
per Advocate General Maduro
Example of perceptive direct discrimination based on sexual orientation
English v Thomas Sanderson Blinds [2009]
Example of perceptive direct discrimination based on disability
Chief Constable of Norfolk v Coffey [2017]
Exceptions to the rule that direct discrimination by an employer cannot be justified
- Age discrimination
2. Occupational requirements - schedule 9 para.1(1) on a case by case basis
Example of strict application of the test for occupational requirements as an exception for direct discrimination under Schedule 9, para.1(1) EA
Etam v Rowan [1989] - male shop assistant at female clothing shop
The justification defence for indirect discrimination
s.19(2)(d) - proportionate means for achieving a legitimate aim
Statutory definition of indirect discrimination
s.19 EA
Example of indirect discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief - broader definition of “practice” within s.19
Pendleton v Derbyshire County Council [2016] - school policy to dismiss someone who refused to leave their husband who was a convicted sex offender. doesn’t matter if they haven’t applied the practice before.
s.19 EA Indirect discrimination - when considering group disadvantage, those with no interest in the advantage in question shouldn’t be included in the pool of comparison.
Somerset CC v Pike [2009] – only retired teachers should be considered in the pool of comparison on an issue only affecting retired teachers.
s.19(2)(c) EA indirect discrimination requirement of individual disadvantage - even though they’re the only individual to suffer, if they’re extremely in the minority the fact of disadvantage is sufficient. DO NOT have to show why they suffered the disadvantage
London Underground v Edwards [1999] - single mother struggles with child care as a result of changes to a flexible shift pattern, it is enough even if she is the only one
Compare the interpretation of requirement for individual and group advantage in indirect discrimination in London Underground v Edwards [1999] and Eweida v UK [2013] with the approach in s.19 EA 2010
Edwards allowed the appeal of indirect sex discrimination as 92.5% of women could comply with train shifts compared to 100% of men, even if only 1 woman couldn’t comply.
Eweida in ECtHR held that the policy was indirectly discriminatory, even without this ‘group’ disadvantage element
s.19 EA has the more strict interpretation that individual and group disadvantage needs to be proven –> contradicts with ECtHR decisions
Example of less weight being given to freedom of religion by the ECJ when considering the discriminatory impact of a PCP (s.19 EA)
Bouganoui v Micropole [2017] - complaint about head scarf
Developed the justification for indirect discrimination (now in s.19(2)d) EA) as a burden on the employer to show objectively justifiable factors for the PCP unrelated to any discrimination.
Bilka-Kaufaus [1986]
2 Examples of strict application of the proportionality test as a justification for indirect discrimination under s.19 EA
- Azmi v Kirklees MC [2007]
2. Achbita [2017] - indirect discrimination justified as trying to appear neutral to clients
If measures with a less discriminatory impact were available to the employer and they didn’t take this action then the PCP cannot be justified for it’s indirect discrimination
Allonby v Accrington and Rossendale College [2001]
Length of service selection criteria for redundancy was justified under the proportionality test for indirect discrimination
Rolls-Royce v Unite the Union [2009] - rewards loyalty and desirability for a stable workforce.
Example of the courts tending to take a less rigorous approach where the case involves a challenge to the compatibility of national legislation and EU directives or treaty provisions on equality
Seymour-Smith [1999] - claim that increasing the qualifying period for UD to 2yrs was indirectly discriminatory - justified
Key test for harassment
s. 26 EA
1. no need for an individual or group comparator
2. harassment of a sexual nature doesn’t need to be linked to a protected characteristic (s.26(2))
3. taking into account the effect-based test in s.26(4) with subjective and objective elements to show it was ‘unwanted’
Guidance given to the court on how to interpret the Equality Act 2010 - in terms of discrimination and harassment
“The EHRC Employment Statutory Code of Practice” (The EHRC Code)
Perceptive harassment still comes within s.26 EA
English v Thomas Sanderson Blinds [2009]
Limited allowance of positive discrimination in statute
s.158 and s.159 EA
Example of the courts approach when considering direct age discrimination against younger people (s.5 EA)
Kucukdeveci [2010] - (redundancy for length of services after 25yrs old) comparison is with people of a different age group
statutory justification for discrimination of the protected characteristic of age (s.5 EA)
s.13(2) EA - and the aims were originally identified in EU Directive 2000/78 Art.6
Leading case for application of employment conditions for direct discrimination for age
Seldon v Clarkson Wright and Jakes [2012] per Baroness Hale
3 things to consider in cases of direct discrimination of age, per Baroness Hale
Seldon v Clarkson Wright and Jakes [2012]
- the employer’s objectives are of a public interest nature;
- the rule must be consistent with social policy of the state;
- must be proportionate means used and for an appropriate aim.
What protected characteristic can be justified for direct discrimination by the employer?
Age
Exception for direct discrimination against age if the claimant’s period of service is more than 5yrs and relying on it ‘fulfils a business need’
Schedule 9, part 2, s.10(2) EA - very narrow
strict interpretation of justification for length of service rules i.e. discrimination on grounds of the protected characteristic of age
Kucukdeveci [2010] - legislation must be appropriate for achieving the aim
Can you have a default retirement age?
No - the default retirement age of 65 was repealed with effect in October 2011.
–> but can still be justified under the proportionality test s.13(2)
Statutory definition of disability
s.6(1) EA - no restriction on employers favouring disabled employees