It replaced previous anti-discrimination legislation and strengthened certain aspects of equality law, extending protection to people not previously covered. Business operators and employers must ensure that their equality policies and procedures are up to date and satisfy the requirements of the Act.

The Act does not apply in Northern Ireland. For more information about equality legislation in Northern Ireland, go to www.equalityni.org/Employers-Service-Providers.

This factsheet explains what the Act covers, who it applies to and what business operators and employers must do to comply with the Act.