Discrimination in the Workplace
Sadly, workers are still being subjected to discrimination and it remains common in workplaces throughout the UK. Acts of discrimination can be extremely distressing and anti-discrimination laws can be complex.
If you believe that you are suffering from discrimination, our experienced team of employment law solicitors will listen to you sympathetically and provide you with all the support and advice you need. This support can include dealing both with your employer and putting together an employment tribunal case, if necessary.
The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination relating to certain listed characteristics that people may possess. Termed ‘The Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics’, these are defined as the following:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Acts of discrimination might range from a one-off act or comment, to a systematic course of bullying and unfavourable treatment. Under employment law, the different forms of discrimination are classified as follows:
Direct discrimination – This is when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic. For example, paying someone less because of their sex or overlooking someone for a promotion because of their race.
Indirect discrimination – This is when a practice, provision or criteria is applied to everyone but adversely affects those with a particular protected characteristic. For example, a requirement that an applicant for a job has 20 years experience in the field could represent indirect discrimination on the grounds of age, if it could not be justified.
Victimisation – This is when a person is subjected to a detriment for complaining about discrimination or for helping someone who has been the victim of discrimination. For example, a person who raises a grievance about discriminatory treatment is then continually refused a pay-rise.
Harassment – This is when a person is subjected to unwanted conduct because of a protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. For example, a manager continually makes inappropriate comments regarding a colleague’s appearance.
If you feel you are or have been discriminated against in the workplace, please contact our experienced team of employment lawyers for a confidential, initial consultation.
For more information, download our Employment law guides, click the links below or telephone our team of Sheffield solicitors on 0114 272 1884 or Doncaster solicitors on 01302 341 414.
