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Direct discrimination

Direct discrimination means treating one person less favourably than another on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. For example, requiring that an employee must be male or must be a practicing Hindu.

Direct discrimination (on the grounds of a protected characteristic is lawful where there is a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR). There is no definitive list of situations where a GOR will exist. It is therefore always best to take legal advice before advertising the job if you believe that there is a GOR.

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Minister responsible

David Willetts is the minister responsible for this policy area.


 

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