Discrimination

Discrimination covers situations where your employer treats you differently to other employees because of a "protected characteristic". It is illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of:

For example, if female employees are refused the training opportunities offered to male colleagues, this would be sex discrimination. It is also illegal for your employer to discriminate against you because you work part-time or on a fixed-term contract.

Direct discrimination

Discrimination can be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination is where you are treated less favourably than another employee because of a "protected characteristic". If a job was advertised as being only for British-born applicants, this would be race discrimination.

Indirect discrimination

Indirect discrimination is where a rule or procedure results in a group of people with a protected characteristic being treated less favourably, even though that group is not specifically targeted. For example, if your employer has a policy that employees cannot wear head coverings, this may discriminate against certain religious groups.

Protection against discrimination also covers protection against harassment - you should not be subject to offensive or intimidating behaviour at work. You are also protected if you are treated differently because you have made a complaint about discrimination. This would be victimisation.

Furthermore, you are protected if you are discriminated against because you are perceived to have a protected characteristic, even if you do not. Discrimination by association is also prohibited. This is where you are treated less favourably because of your links to someone with a protected characteristic, such as a relative.

If you have experienced discrimination at work, we can advise you on raising a grievance to try to resolve the issue with your employer. If you feel you have to quit or want to take a claim to the Employment Tribunal, you should first obtain legal advice.