Life in the UK before the introduction of the 2010 Equality Act often presented numerous challenges for individuals from marginalised groups.

While progress had been made through earlier legislation, such as the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, these laws were fragmented and left significant gaps in protection. Discrimination was still a common experience for many, whether in the workplace, accessing public services, or even day-to-day interactions. Women, for instance, often faced barriers in achieving equal pay and career progression, while disabled individuals encountered limited accessibility and a lack of support. The LGBTQ+ community also experienced significant prejudice, as there was no unified framework to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Without a comprehensive legal structure, many people had to rely on personal resilience and support networks to navigate these challenges. The introduction of the Equality Act in 2010 was a pivotal moment in unifying and strengthening anti-discrimination laws in the UK, finally providing more robust protection and striving towards a fairer society for all.

At DiversifyUK, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive personal and professional success, as well as to challenge both unconscious and conscious biases within business frameworks.