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Homepage > Citizenship > Equal Opportunities > Sex Discrimination

What is sex discrimination?

Equal opportunity laws are in place to ensure that people are treated fairly and that there is no sex discrimination. If an employer treats you differently because of your:

  • gender
  • status (e.g. married or single)

then they have broken the law.

The law

Under the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act which protects your rights, you should be:

  • employed
  • trained
  • promoted

based solely upon your skills and ability to do the job.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment counts as sex discrimination because you are treated differently to someone of the opposite sex. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual advances or behaviour towards you and can include:

  • offensive comments
  • sexual requests (often in return for promotion or other benefits)
  • comments about the way you look

If someone is harassing you and they don’t stop when you ask them to then you should tell your employer or teacher. Most employers have sexual harassment written into their disciplinary rules because it is an employer’s responsibility to protect you from any form of sexual harassment in the workplace. 

Help lines

Equality and Human Rights Commission: 08457 622 633 Textphone: 08457 622 644

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Your Comments

Posted - 09:36, 06 Apr 2009

I think people that have been sexual harassment should have the right have they say because it shound not be happynd. I also think the victim shound get some sort or paid out for the crime. Thank you for your time…


Posted - 09:41, 06 Apr 2009

Thanks for your comment. We have omitted your personal details for your protection. Unfortunately the contact number that you supplied was invalid. Please email cnx.webmaster@essexconnexions.co.uk or visit your nearest Connexions Centre if you would like to discuss your comment further. Regards Connexions


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