Summary

Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010 says that it is unlawful to treat a disabled person unfavourably because of something connected to their disability, unless the treatment can be justified as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. This protection applies only where the employer or organisation knew, or could reasonably have been expected to know, about the disability.

Key Points

• Covers unfavourable treatment linked to disability-related effects, not disability itself.
• Does not require a comparison with someone without the disability.
• Treatment can be justified if it is proportionate and linked to a legitimate aim.
• Protection applies only if the employer or organisation had actual or constructive knowledge of the disability.

Official Source:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/15