Equality Act 2017
The Equality Act 2017 deals with discrimination comprehensively in respect of both employment and the provision of goods and services on the grounds ('protected characteristics') of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race, religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
The Cabinet Office continues to lead work on the Act and equality issues but with support from the Department for Enterprise (DfE), which is responsible for employment law, and other Departments and Government bodies where required.
Copies of the Act and accompanying Explanatory Notes can be downloaded by clicking on the links in the right hand column.
The Cabinet Office has issued a Statutory Code of Practice on Employment and Equality Act 2017 – Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability.
Secondary legislation (orders, regulations etc.) made under the Act can be found on the DfE Employment legislation page.
For a general overview of the Equality Act and employment please see section 9 of the DfE guide Isle of Man Employment Rights: a Guide.
The Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS) has also published Guidance about the employment aspects of the Act and can advise employers and workers about the same. MIRS can also offer conciliation when disputes arise about equality issues in the workplace.
The Employment and Equality Tribunal, a special court of law, deals with complaints under the Equality Act 207 about employment, the provision of goods and services, premises, education etc. as well as other complaints about employment law. You can find out more about the Tribunal on this DfE information page on the Employment and Equality Tribunal.
