Discrimination in the Workplace

Sadly, workers are still being subjected to discrimination and discrimination 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 will listen to you sympathetically and provide you with all the support and advice you need, including support in dealing both with your employer and bringing a case in the Employment Tribunal, if necessary.

The Equality Act 2010 provides protection against discrimination relating to certain listed characteristics which people may possess, termed ‘protected characteristics’. The following are defined as protected characteristics under the Equality Act:

• 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 through 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 think you are being discriminated in the workplace, please contact our experienced team of employment lawyers for a confidential, free initial consultation.

For more information, why not download our Employment law guides, click the links below or telephone our team on 0114 272 1884