How many protected characteristics are there?

Nine: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Do I need two years of service to claim discrimination?

No. Discrimination protection applies from the recruitment stage, including to job applicants.

Is bullying always discrimination?

No. It is harassment under the Equality Act only where the unwanted conduct is related to a protected characteristic.

Can I name the colleague who discriminated against me?

Yes. Individuals can be respondents alongside the employer, which is worth considering where the conduct was personal.

What are the protected characteristics at work?

The Equality Act 2010 lists nine protected characteristics. Discrimination protection applies from the recruitment stage with no minimum length of service.