Discrimination

As an employee, you have the right to be treated fairly by your employer and colleagues and not to be discriminated against. Within employment law there are remedies for staff who hold what’s called a “protected characteristic” and who are or have been discriminated against – treated differently from others because of that characteristic. The protected characteristics are age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or philosophical belief, race, ethnic origin or disability. Discrimination on the basis of any of these characteristics, or a combination of them, may be grounds for legal action.

The legislation applies to all employees at all stages of their employment, from recruitment to termination. Issues revolving around these fundamental characteristics – increasingly referred to as ‘identities’ – can be very upsetting since they go right to the heart of who you are; what makes you ‘you’. So, if you are the subject of discrimination at work, it is important to seek expert advice and resolve any problems as early as possible and prevent the issues from escalating and becoming even more distressing.

Our team of expert employment lawyers can:

• Advise you on your rights and what action you can take if you think that you may have been treated differently and unfairly around one of the protected characteristics.
• Support you through any consequent action, including advising you in a tribunal if matters cannot otherwise be resolved.

Contact us if you feel you have been subject to discrimination at work and in our initial consultation we will help you to understand both the legal situation and the process that will be involved if you decide to pursue legal action.