The Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA)
The RRA applies to anyone discriminated against on the basis of their race, ethnic or national origins, colour or nationality.

The Act has been amended frequently, and has changed definitions of indirect discrimination and harassment as well as additional criteria to the burden of proof and general exemptions.

The 2003 Amending Regulations protect;
• Against discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic or national origins
• In employment and training
• Against direct and indirect discrimination, and victimisation

Victims of race discrimination have the right to complain directly to the courts or employment tribunals. Nevertheless, it is a prerequisite for employees to use internal procedures before proceeding to an employment tribunal.

The legislation applies to ethnic minorities, which can also include white people.
(See ‘Recognising Discrimination’ for a definition of the main types of discrimination. For more detail on the specifics of the RRA definitions, refer to CRE guidance.)

Public Duty:
The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 extended these anti-discrimination provisions to all public functions with a few exceptions.

It also placed a statutory duty on listed public authorities to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. (See the section on public duties for more information)

Importantly, the 2000 Act shifted the nature of race legislation from compliance to proactivity through the introduction of the statutory duty.

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