1.1 The Company is fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, workers and job applicants, and to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination. The Company aims to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards and promotes staff based on merit.

1.2 The Company will not unlawfully discriminate against any employee, worker or job applicant because of any 'protected characteristic', namely:

• 1.2.1 age;

• 1.2.2 disability;

• 1.2.3 gender reassignment;

• 1.2.4 marriage or civil partnership status;

• 1.2.5 pregnancy and maternity;

• 1.2.6 race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin);

• 1.2.7 religion or belief;

• 1.2.8 sex; or

• 1.2.9 sexual orientation.

1.3 [Equally, the Company will not treat any employee, worker or job applicant less favourably because:

• 1.3.1 [they are [or are not] a trade union member;

• AND/OR

• 1.3.2 they work part-time or on a fixed-term basis;

• AND/OR

• 1.3.3 of their socio-economic background;

• AND/OR

• 1.3.4 they have caring responsibilities.]]

2.1 The statement in paragraph 1 sets out the Company’s commitment to ensuring that all staff and job applicants have equal opportunities. The remainder of this document sets out the Company's policy on equality and diversity, in particular: