1. Introduction

2. When discrimination can happen

3. What the law says

4. What counts as a disability

5. When discrimination is allowed

6. Discrimination at work

7. Discrimination when buying and using goods and services

8. Discrimination by public authorities

9. Discrimination by private clubs and associations

10. Discrimination when buying or renting a property

11. Discrimination at school or college

12. What you can do about discrimination

13. Going to an employment tribunal (ET)

14. Going to court

15. Going to a special educational needs and disability tribunal (Sendist)

16. The Human Rights Act

In the Human Rights Act 1998, there is a wide-ranging rule that includes types of discrimination not covered in other anti-discrimination laws. However, it can be used only when it is connected to one of the other ‘articles’ (the specific principles) of the Human Rights Convention, such as the right to ‘respect for private and family life’.

Rights under the Act can be used only against a public authority (for example, the police, a local council or the Benefits Agency), and not a private company. However, all legal disputes on discrimination have to take into account what the Human Rights Act says. For more information, see the Community Legal Advice leaflet ‘The Human Rights Act’.

17. Further help

18. About this leaflet

This leaflet is published by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). It was written in association with Andrew Short, a barrister at Outer Temple Chambers and specialist in discrimination law.

Leaflet Version: August 2008

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