Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Rejected
Bring Section 14 of the Equality Act into force to protect against intersectional discrimination.
Recommendation
Section 14 of the Equality Act 2010 which provides protection from discrimination on the basis of a combination of two relevant protected characteristics presents a limited understanding of how overlapping characteristics are used to discriminate against individuals and prevent the most vulnerable from bringing harassment claims based on their actual experience. The Government should bring section 14 of the Equality Act into force and consider whether an amendment to that section is required to better protect those facing intersectional inequality. Businesses are already aware of their responsibilities to equality of treatment under the Equality Act; bringing section 14 into force would impose minimal additional burdens. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35) 59
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to bring section 14 of the Equality Act into force, stating it is unnecessary as courts already allow multiple claims and robust protections exist.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Courts already have the discretion to allow people to bring multiple claims on different grounds where it is justifiable to do so. For example, a person may bring an age discrimination and disability discrimination claim in respect of the same alleged act of discrimination and a Court or tribunal may consider these alongside one another. The Cabinet Office Equality Hub is responsible for the overall framework of UK equality legislation. The Government has no plans to implement the dual discrimination provision in the Equality Act 2010 at this time. Section 14 is considered unnecessary, since the 2010 Act provides robust protection across a range of protected characteristics and an employee or service user may bring a claim under more than one ground.