Protected Characteristic
/ˈprəʊtɛktɪd ˌkærɪktəˈrɪstɪk/
Definitions
- (n.) A personal attribute or trait protected by anti-discrimination laws, such as race, sex, disability, or age.
Employers must not discriminate based on a protected characteristic.
Forms
- protected characteristic
- protected characteristics
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term is central in equality legislation; always specify the jurisdiction to clarify which characteristics are protected.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.