Equality and Human Rights Commission

Work that is for the purpose of a private household where the discrimination is on the grounds of colour or nationality. However, any discrimination on grounds of race or ethnic or national origins is prohibited for work of this purpose.

Discrimination in the employment context on the grounds of race or ethnic or national origins is permissible where being of a particular race or ethnic or national origin is a genuine and determining occupational requirement, and it is proportionate to apply that requirement in a particular case. Discrimination on the grounds of colour and nationality is also permissible where being of a particular racial group is a genuine occupational qualification for the job. The circumstances in which this would apply are identified in the Act.

Where discrimination is on the grounds of colour or nationality and where the employee is employed wholly outside Great Britain, the provisions of the Act do not apply.

Where discrimination is on grounds of race or ethnic or national origin and the employee is wholly employed abroad. However, the employee can claim protection under the Act if the employer has a place of business at an establishment in Great Britain, and the employee is ordinarily resident in Great Britain at the time when he applies or is offered the employment or at any time during the course of the employment.

Seamen recruited from outside Great Britain cannot be discriminated against unless the discrimination is on grounds of nationality and involves pay.