At Stephensons we have a number of brand values which encapsulate the way in which we behave and practice. One of our brand values is ‘inclusive’ and we are demonstrating this through celebrating Zero Discrimination Day.
On 1st March people around the world come together to celebrate ‘Zero Discrimination Day’. Zero Discrimination Day aims to promote equality, inclusion, compassion, peace and above all, a movement for change. The day was created by the United Nations, launched by Michel Sidibe, (UNAIDS Executive Director) and first celebrated on 1 March 2014.
Each year, a different theme is chosen to highlight various aspects of discrimination that need attention. For 2025, the theme is ‘We Stand Together’. For over 40 years, communities have faced adversity, stigma and discrimination through ensuring that health services reach everyone in need including the most vulnerable populations. In light of this, UNAID is calling on countries, donors, and partners to fulfil their commitments to support communities as they work to build sustainable HIV responses in numerous ways, one of which being without discrimination.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the unequal or less favourable treatment of someone, or groups of people, based on one or more of the protected characteristics, as defined under by the Equality Act 2010. There are a number of different protected characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and these are:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Sexual orientation
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Gender reassignment
- Religious beliefs
- Disability
Is HIV classified as a disability under the Equality Act 2010?
Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 defines what is considered to be a ‘disability’ for the purpose of bringing a disability discrimination claim under the Equality Act 2010. It states:
- You must have a physical or mental impairment;
- That has a substantial and adverse effect on your day to day activities; and
- It has lasted, or is likely to last, more than 12 months.
Ordinarily to be protected by section 6 of the Equality Act 2010, your conditions(s) would need to satisfy the above definition however, HIV is one of very few conditions that the Equality Act considers to qualify as an ‘automatic’ disability. The Act recognises that HIV is a ‘progressive’ condition, (along with cancer and multiple sclerosis), and so constitutes as a disability under the Act, from the day of diagnosis.
What should you do?
If you feel you have been discriminated against as a result of a protected characteristic, or you have received a complaint of discrimination as a business or organisation, then we may be able to assist.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP is one of the few firms in the country that has a dedicated discrimination law team that assist both claimants and defendants in bringing and defending discrimination claims in both the employment tribunal and County Court. Please contact our specialist team for further advice on 0161 696 6170.
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