Make social class a protected characteristic under the Equality Act
The government should amend the Equality Act 2010 and make social class a protected characteristic.
Signatures
371
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 371/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 371/100,000
- 12 JAN 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Professor Geraldine Van Bueren KC (Hon)
Background
Research has shown that social class is one of the greatest influences on life chances. Class discrimination impacts upon access to postgraduate courses, recruitment and promotions in all the professions. There are also well-evidenced class pay gaps between those of equal qualifications and experience. We are concerned that the law remains silent about such discrimination, whereas it prohibits other forms of discrimination.