Italy: Equal opportunities

Original author: Massimo Pallini
Updating author: Luciano Racchi

See the legal services provided by the author of International > Italy, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

• Direct and indirect discrimination in relation to all aspects of the employment contract are prohibited on various grounds. (See General)
• Difference in treatment on the prohibited grounds is permitted in certain circumstances. (See Exemptions)
• There are various legal rules specific to discrimination on each of the prohibited grounds. (See Specific provisions)
• Harassment and sexual harassment are considered discrimination. (See Harassment and sexual harassment)
• Employees are protected against victimisation by their employer. (See Victimisation)
• Employers may take positive action to abolish existing inequalities. (See Positive action)
• Equality advisers promote and monitor the implementation of equal opportunities and non-discrimination principles between men and women in employment. (See Equality advisers)
• Employees who consider that they have suffered discrimination can bring a claim against their employer in the labour courts. (See Remedies and penalties)