Step 1: Check it was because of a protected characteristic

Summary

If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, you’re protected from discrimination if your impairment meets the Equality Act’s definition of disability. The Equality Act says you’re disabled if: * you have a physical or mental impairment * the impairment has a substantial and long-term effect on your everyday activities If you want to make a disability discrimination claim, you’ll need to show your impairment meets the Equality Act’s definition of disability. If you have certain conditions, you’re automatically considered disabled under the Equality Act. This means you don't need to show that your condition has a substantial and long-term effect on your everyday activities. This applies if: * you have cancer - or any condition that is likely to become cancer if it’s not treated, for example skin growths * you have HIV - even if you don't have any symptoms * you’re registered as blind or sight impaired - you can check how to register as blind or sight impaired on RNIB's website * you have a severe, long-term disfigurement - for example severe facial scarring or a skin disease If you were treated badly because of a different condition, you can check how to show you’re.

Key information

• you have a physical or mental impairment
• the impairment has a substantial and long-term effect on your everyday activities
• you have cancer - or any condition that is likely to become cancer if it’s not treated, for example skin growths
• you have multiple sclerosis
• you have HIV - even if you don't have any symptoms
• you’re registered as blind or sight impaired - you can check how to register as blind or sight impaired on RNIB's website
• you have a severe, long-term disfigurement - for example severe facial scarring or a skin disease
• are planning to transition from the sex you were assigned at birth to a different sex
• are in the process of transitioning
• ethnic or national origins
• the country or region where you were born or grew up
• where your parents or other family members came from

Practical guidance

• Source: Step 1: Check it was because of a protected characteristic

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