Material scope

The Discrimination Act applies to all aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Self-employed people are, however, not covered by the prohibition of discrimination in working life. The Discrimination Act does not protect legal persons. Self-employed persons can however be protected as natural persons regarding for instance, starting or running a business and professional recognition (Ch. 2 Sec. 10). Professional organisations are prohibited to discriminate the self employed as well as the employed (Ch. 2 Sec. 11) Permits, approvals certification and financial support, are other examples of areas covered by these two provisions. Several other provisions in the Discrimination Act apply to self-employed as well as to employed persons.