Discrimination in the workplace can be deeply distressing and damaging – not just to your career, but also to your wellbeing and sense of self-worth. At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we support individuals who have experienced unfair treatment at work due to who they are. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, it’s vital to understand your rights under UK employment law and what steps you can take.
Protected Characteristics Under the Equality Act 2010
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees – or job applicants – on the basis of certain protected characteristics. These include:
- – Age
- – Disability
- – Gender reassignment
- – Marriage or civil partnership
- – Pregnancy and maternity
- – Race
- – Religion or belief
- – Sex
- – Sexual orientation
Common Examples of Discrimination at Work
Discrimination can take many forms. It isn’t always obvious, and it doesn’t need to be intentional to be unlawful. Common examples include being denied promotions due to age, being subjected to offensive jokes or comments, or being dismissed after revealing a medical condition or taking maternity leave.
Types of Discrimination Recognised by UK Employment Law
There are several types of discrimination covered by law, including:
- – Direct discrimination: being treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
- – Indirect discrimination: where a policy or practice applies to everyone but disproportionately disadvantages a particular group.
- – Harassment: unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that creates an intimidating, hostile or degrading environment.
- – Victimisation: being treated unfairly because you raised a complaint or supported someone else’s claim.
Who Is Protected and When You Can Bring a Claim
Unlike unfair dismissal claims, there is no minimum length of service required to bring a discrimination claim. Even job applicants and self-employed workers may be protected in certain situations. Importantly, employers are also liable for discriminatory acts carried out by their staff, unless they can show they took reasonable steps to prevent such behaviour.
Time Limits and the Role of Acas Early Conciliation
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work, it’s crucial to act quickly. There is a three-month time limit (less one day) from the last incident of discrimination to start your claim. As with other employment claims, you’ll need to contact Acas to begin the Early Conciliation process before lodging a formal tribunal claim.
How Fiona Bruce Solicitors Can Help With Discrimination at Work
At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to challenge discrimination – especially when you’re still working for your employer. We offer confidential, supportive legal advice tailored to your circumstances and can guide you through every stage of the process.
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for a consultation with our Employment Law specialist, Tim Grainger.
Tim is a member of the Employment Lawyers’ Association and has a wealth of experience in taking matters to Tribunal, as well as a strong track record in pursuing fair settlements for our clients.
Please contact Rebecca Hall on 01925 263273 or enquiries@fionabruce.co.uk for more information
The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only ■
