Equality Act 2010 - provisions for carers

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against a carer because of their responsibilities as a carer, or because of the individual(s) they care for. 

If you're looking after someone who is elderly or disabled, the law will protect you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities.This is because you're counted as being 'associated' with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability.

This law applies to discrimination and harassment if they happen in your work place, and will also protect you as a carer:

• when you shop for goods 
• when you ask for services 
• when you get services 
• when you use facilities like public transport

You can go to our page on the Equality Act 2010 for more information on how the act aims to protect carers and those they look after.

If you explore the other pages in our Looking after someone section you will find plenty of information about how you can access support as  carer, including details of how to request a carer's assessment from your local council.