"Laws that prohibit discrimination are important - human rights are inalienable, nobody can take them away, no matter what they think of you. By enshrining socio-economic status as a ground in law, we are acknowledging that socio-economic discrimination happens, but that it will no longer be tolerated."

There are currently nine grounds of discrimination set out in equality legislation including gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, membership of the Traveller community and race. The exclusion of socio - economic status represents a significant gap, and those with an experience of poverty “constantly fall through the cracks” of equality legislation. – Community activist Andrew. 

Those experiencing this form of discrimination currently have no way of seeking any form of legal redress and have no protection in the law. Socio- economic discrimination can occur in many forms and can be experienced both individually and collectively. It is often felt within public services, such as in healthcare, housing and accommodation, when seeking employment, education, social welfare or with the police.

Those with a lived experience also report everyday incidences of discrimination as a result of their accent, clothing, haircut, address, employment status, etc. People report not being able to get a taxi to their home, being followed around in stores or being refused service in a restaurant. The stigma and shame that results from discrimination has huge effects on mental health and wellbeing. In addition, it can also enormously restrict a person’s life and opportunities.

Click here to read the report detailing these experiences: Does it only happen to me? Living in the shadows of socio - economic discrimination

“Current labour market practices, social welfare conditionality and neoliberal work- centric attitudes have gradually engendered barriers for those in, or approaching poverty, to rights and social inclusion”. – Addthe10th alliance.

The purpose of the #addthe10th group is to have socio - economic status recognized as the tenth ground of discrimination in Irish equality legislation, namely the Equal Status Act and the Employment Equality Act.

The add the tenth alliance is made up of All Together in Dignity Ireland, Association for Higher Education Access and Disability, Community Action Network, Free Legal Advice Centres, European Anti - Poverty Network Ireland, Independent Living Movement Ireland and Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed.

Support the campaign by signing our petition and by using #Addthe10th on social media and posing with the ‘missing piece’ of equality legislation! 

Thank you for your support :)