Sex is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. It protects men (being a man) and women (being a woman) from discrimination,
In Northern Ireland the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 prohibits discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sex.
Equal pay legislation
The Equality Act 2010 gives women and men a right to equal pay for equal work.
The Equal Pay Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 (as amended) prohibits sex discrimination in relation to pay and terms of employment.