Life in the UK Test
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Equality and treating people fairly

Study note

Fairness and equality are central to the way the UK works. It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of personal characteristics such as their sex, age, race, religion, disability or sexuality. This means that, for example, refusing someone a job simply because of their sex is unlawful.

A key idea to remember is that everyone in the UK is equal before the law. This applies to everyone, not only to citizens, and it is true regardless of how wealthy or powerful a person is. No one is above the law, and no one has fewer rights because of their background. Men and women have the same rights.

Because of this, people are expected to treat others with fairness and respect in daily life. Discriminating against someone for their choice of football team or favourite food is not what the law is about. The law protects people from unfair treatment based on who they are, such as their race, religion, disability or age.

Memory tip: Discrimination is illegal; everyone is equal before the law.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 5 · true or false

In the UK it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their religion or race.

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Show all questions and answers for Equality and treating people fairly(5 questions with explanations)

Equality and treating people fairly: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In the UK it is against the law to discriminate against someone because of their religion or race.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Discrimination based on characteristics such as religion, race, sex or age is unlawful.

  2. 2. Select TWO things it is unlawful to discriminate against someone for in the UK.

    • Their age
    • Their favourite food
    • Their choice of football team
    • Their disability

    Correct answer: Their age and Their disability

    Discrimination on grounds such as disability and age is against the law.

  3. 3. Which statement about equality in the UK is correct?

    • Only citizens are equal before the law
    • The wealthy are above the law
    • Everyone is equal before the law
    • Men have more rights than women

    Correct answer: Everyone is equal before the law

    In the UK everyone is equal before the law, regardless of background.

  4. 4. In the UK it is lawful to refuse someone a job simply because of their sex.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: False

    False. Discrimination on grounds such as sex is against the law in the UK.

  5. 5. Which statement is correct?

    • Everyone in the UK is equal before the law
    • Wealthy people in the UK are above the law

    Correct answer: Everyone in the UK is equal before the law

    In the UK everyone is equal before the law, regardless of background or wealth.

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