Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department takes to ensure that those with facial disfigurements are not subject to discrimination on the basis of their appearance and emotional well-being; and if she will make a statement.

People with severe disfigurements are treated as having a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 and therefore benefit from the same protections from discrimination as any other person with a disability. These protections span a number of situations and circumstances including the provision of goods and services and employment.

As with other aspects of civil law it is for those who feel that they have been discriminated against to personally seek advice or redress by bringing the case to court.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also has a monitoring and enforcement role in relation to the Equality Act 2010. If the EHRC suspects someone of committing a breach of the discrimination provisions, it can conduct an investigation and take action to ensure they avoid a continuation or repetition of that breach.

In addition, the Equality Advisory and Support Service provides free advice and support to individuals with any discrimination concerns, whether these relate to physical or mental health conditions.