Dismissal and redundancy: what the law says
Your right not to be discriminated against because of your gender when you are dismissed or made redundant is protected by:
• The Sex Discrimination Act
• The Human Rights Act
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The Sex Discrimination Act
The Part Time Workers Regulations prevent less favourable treatment of part-time workers. Contact ACAS for more advice
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The Human Rights Act
UK legislation now has to be interpreted in accordance with the Human Rights Act. There is an additional obligation on a public authority to ensure that its practices and procedures comply with the Human Rights Act, including the treatment of its employees.
If you work in the private sector, you may be able to argue that the Human Rights Act strengthens any claim you may have under the Sex Discrimination Act or Equal Pay Act. For example Article 10, (freedom of expression) may apply if you have been dismissed for a breach of your employer's dress code policy. Article 14 of the Human Rights Act prevents discrimination in the way other rights are applied. However, it would be wrong to assume that no dress restrictions would be permitted under the Human Rights Act.
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