Discrimination on racial grounds is made unlawful by the Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA) which reflects many of the principles and rules contained in the SDA.

The RRA forbids less favourable treatment of individuals on racial grounds at every stage of employment. Like the SDA, the RRA protects not only individual employees but also individuals working under a contract for services and partners in a partnership (where the partnership consists of six or more partners).

In addition, trade unions, trade or professional associations, employment agencies and other organisations must also observe the provisions of the RRA.

Individuals not protected by the RRA are:

Those who work wholly or mainly outside Great Britain;

Individuals employed by a private household (with the exception of discrimination by victimisation).