Page 46 - Part B

Information, Advice or Guidance

Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice,
such as race, gender or age. The Equality Act 2010 brings together lots of legislation
relating to discrimination under one act. The act goes on to state that there are four
types of discrimination:

• Direct discrimination
Direct discrimination is where someone is treated less favourably than another
person because of a particular characteristic. For example, treating a client differently
because of their race or background, or discriminating against a group of clients
because they are over a certain age.

• Associative discrimination

This is where someone is directly discriminated against because they are associated
with another person who possesses a specific characteristic.

• Discrimination by perception

This is where someone is directly discriminated against because others think they may
have a particular characteristic. They do not need to actually have the characteristic;
simply the act of thinking they do, and treating them accordingly, is discrimination. For
example, when dealing with a client with a disability, it is important to understand their
specific requirements rather than make judgments as to what you think they might
need because of their disability.

• Indirect discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs when there is a rule or policy that applies to all clients
but disadvantages a client. For example, if you work at the housing department
of a local council, it could be indirect discrimination if you insist all clients have to
attend a face to face meeting, as this could discriminate against people with mobility
difficulties, or those who are unable to leave their homes.

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