how many protected characteristics are there
There are nine protected characteristics under the UK Equality Act 2010.
Quick Scoop: The 9 protected characteristics
In UK law (England, Scotland and Wales), “protected characteristics” are specific traits that it is illegal to discriminate against someone for, under the Equality Act 2010.
The nine protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
In simple terms: if someone is treated unfairly at work, in education, or when using services because of any of these nine things, that can amount to unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Why this is a trending discussion
Over the last few years, protected characteristics have become a frequent topic in workplace policies, HR training, and online forums, especially where people discuss discrimination, equality, and inclusion at work and in public life. As more employers focus on diversity and inclusion, understanding “how many protected characteristics are there” and what they cover is often the first step in knowing your rights or duties.
TL;DR: In UK law, there are 9 protected characteristics , and they form the backbone of anti‑discrimination protection in the Equality Act 2010.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
