Introduction Sexual discrimination takes many forms and includes pay differences, promotion, working conditions, availability of overtime and perks and retirement conditions. The subject is closely related to that of Equal Pay. Sexual Discrimination is outlawed under The Sex Discrimination Act 1975. This has been amended a number of times to widen its scope. The Act applies to all persons in employment.
Employment includes apprentices and workers of all kinds including the self employed.
Employees, whether men or women, must be given equality of treatment irrespective of sex, family or marital status. This page considers sexual discrimination, what it means and what can be done about it. If an employer treats a woman less favorably than a male employee on the grounds of sex this constitutes direct discrimination. This type of discrimination includes refusing to employ a woman on the grounds of her sex. Direct discrimination works both ways and an employer who reserved unpleasant tasks for the males in the workforce was found guilty of discrimination.