The Equality Act (2010)-pre- and post-pandemic historic development on equality and discrimination issues for employers: review of literature

• Published in: International journal of law and management 2022-01, Vol.64 (2), p.168-183
• Main Authors: Hussain, Zahid, Rizvi, Lubna Javed, Sheikh, Hamid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case law; Councils; Employment; Equal rights; Equality; Gender; Legislation; Race relations; Racial discrimination; Religion; Religious discrimination; Sex discrimination; Success; Voting rights; Women
• ISSN: 1754-243X; 1754-2448
• DOI: 10.1108/IJLMA-03-2021-0067

Purpose This paper is aimed to fulfil two purposes. First, this paper aims to review the literature and examine step by step evolution of the Equality Act 2010. Second, this paper will reflect on the guidelines issued for employers by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to address how to manage the risks arising during the current crisis and as organisations continue with planning for eventual return to the workplace and for those who are currently working remotely. Design/methodology/approach This paper has incorporated an integrative literature review reviews approach that aimed to synthesises secondary data about the literature to serve the aims of the paper in an integrated way. Findings The introduction of the Equality Act (2010) has made it much more difficult to discriminate against individuals as its coverage is much wider in comparison to any previous legislation. At that point, there were still many exceptions, which permitted discrimination and unequal treatment towards others. Over time, however, the law has become much more strict and developed to counter any discrimination in its attempt to try and eliminate it. Originality/value This paper has reflected on both pre- and post-covid developments of The Equality Act (2010) – and discrimination issues for employers.