What does the Equality Act mean in practice?

The new legislation is designed to help tackle pay inequality

The new Equality Act has come into force, targeting discrimination across a range of issues such as age, disability and pay.

The act has been billed as something of a tidying up exercise, bringing together nine separate pieces of legislation.

However, there are some potentially significant changes that have a very real impact on employers and employees.

Employees

I've heard the act targets pay inequality - as a woman, should I be asking for a pay rise?

What can I do if I'm asked about my health as part of a job interview?

If I'm pregnant, disabled or from an ethnic minority, will I now find it easier to get a job?

What should I do if I feel that I am still feeling discriminated against?

Am I now free to disclose my pay to my colleagues, even if my contract says I can't?

Employers

Is the act going to cost me anything?

How can I protect myself against changes made in the act?

Do I have to change my standard employment contracts?

Are there any benefits to my company?

Can I expect a raft of pay rise requests?

Can I now be held liable for harassment of an employee by the third party, such as a customer?