Sexual Orientation

Q        One of our employees has complained that we don't offer the same staff benefits to same sex couples as to heterosexual couples.  Are we obliged to do this?

A        You should offer the same benefits to same sex couples as you would to heterosexual partnerships.  However, if an employee had to be married or living with the partner to qualify for a benefit it is perfectly acceptable to require the same sex couple to have a Civil Partnership or be living together.

See also:

• Discrimination

• Equal Opportunities