Who is protected?

Discrimination law protects people with certain characteristics against workplace discrimination.

The law applies if you belong to a group with these characteristics or someone thinks that you do. It also applies if your family or friends have these characteristics and you are treated badly as a result.

The characteristics are:

• age
• disability
• sex
• race
• gender reassignment
• sexual orientation
• religion or belief
• pregnancy and maternity
• marriage or civil partnership.

When does it apply?

Discrimination law at work applies to:

• recruitment
• employment terms and conditions
• pay and benefits
• promotion and transfer opportunities
• training
• redundancy
• dismissal

Different types of discrimination

It can be direct or indirect. It includes harassment and victimisation. It covers Equal Pay as well specific duties on employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and to justify any unfavourable treatment that is linked to their disability.

Each type of discrimination has a different legal test.

Bringing a claim

Most discrimination at work claims, are brought in the Employment Tribunal. The time-limits are short and strict.

If your discrimination claim is successful, you are entitled to compensation for your financial losses and any injury to your health or feelings.

Our services

Our employment lawyers are expert in this complex area of law.

You can the employment team direct on 020 7653 3222 or email us [email protected].