Discrimination at work

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms - but some of the most common complaints are discrimination on the grounds of sex, disability, race, age, or pregnancy.

Know where you stand

Our specialist employment lawyers are here to help and provide a quick and effective initial assessment on a range of employment disputes.

A consultation with one of our experts will help you understand your legal options and what steps you can take.

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone in the workplace on the basis of:

• Age
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage / civil partnership status
• Being pregnant or on maternity leave
• Disability
• Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

These are what is known as 'protected characteristics' and you are legally protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010. You may also be protected under the Act if you’re associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, for example a family member or friend, or you’ve complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim.

Types of discrimination

Discrimination can take one of the following forms:

• Direct discrimination - treating someone less favourably than others because of a protected characteristic;
• Indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that puts persons with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage;
• Harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them; and
• Victimisation - treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment.

Discrimination complaints can often be resolved directly with your employer with appropriate support from a solicitor, ensuring your interests are protected at all times.

If this option does not secure a suitable outcome for you, we can also represent you in making a formal complaint / claim to the Employment Tribunal.