Question

The course is BUSINESS LAW( BUS5 ).Please select a legal principle that you have learned about in this course that you think is important for students to understand. In responding to this discussion board, please address the following questions:

1. Identify the legal principle or rule. Please state the chapter where it was covered.
2. Discuss a case in the textbook which helps to illustrate how this rule was applied. You may also reference a current newspaper article which demonstrates how the rule of law applied to a case. Include the citation information for the source(s) that you have used.
3. Explain why this particular legal rule or principle is important for students to know. What is the relevance of it for business?
4. this question is about business law and a case should be chosen from business law book

Answer 1

EQUALITY ACT 2010

The Equality Act came into being in 2010. The Act provides protection to individuals from discrimination in their workplace and in the wider society as well. It replaced all other anti-discrimination laws, as one law is easier to understand and strengthens protection in certain situations. It states the various ways which are unlawful to treat someone.

IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF THE ACT

• Basic protection provided against direct as well as indirect discrimination and harassment in workplace, educational institutions, public functions, transports, etc.
• The Act changed the definition of gender reassignment and removed the need of medical supervision.
• Providing protection to individuals discriminated because they are perceived to have some specific characteristics.
• A clearer and better protection for mothers who are breastfeeding.
• Providing a standard meaning to indirect discrimination to all of the protected characteristics.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ACT

• All public bodies are included and are a part of the act.
• Emphasis is put on promoting the level of equality rather than reducing the level of inequality.
• A more efficient commissioning body introduced which reduces the costs.
• Gives individuals more rights and helps in increasing awareness.
• More opportunities provided for both, men and women.
• Protection against direct gender pay discrimination.
• The act makes pay secrecy clauses unenforceable.
• The act introduces new powers for employment tribunals in order to make recommendations which benefit the wider workforce.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE ACT

• No clear provision as such against age discrimination.
• The Act can still only utilise two combined characteristics.
• The Act has a high amount of costs attached.
• New laws introduced do not have a case law and few high profile cases.
• School going children are not provided protection against age discrimination.
• Fear of victimisation amongst people.