Gender equality in the UK - the legal framework

Abstract

We have come along way in terms of equality law since Lord Davey made his statement. Not only was he unable or unwill-ing to see the law as a vehicle for protecting individuals from discrimination in employment, he was also very definitely talking about a ¿workman` and the fact that this might be a woman had probably not occurred to him. Times and contexts have changed and the law now has a clear role to play in protecting individuals from dis-crimination on a number of grounds. This Law in Brief summarises the legal framework relevant to gender equality in the employment sphere. This Law in Brief also acts as a background paper for a pilot research project looking at women`s progression in the academic sector.1