Discrimination in the Workplace

What is discrimination in the workplace?

Discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly or unequally based on certain protected characteristics. These characteristics include race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation or nationality. Discrimination can take many forms, such as hiring biases, unequal pay, denial of promotions or even harassment.

Employers have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and with respect. Unfortunately, discrimination persists in many workplaces, making it essential for employees to recognise the signs and know how to address it.

Types of discrimination in the workplace

Workplace discrimination has many types, and it’s important to be aware of the different ones to identify to be able to combat it effectively. Here are some common types of discrimination in the workplace:

• Racial: Treating someone unfavourably because of their race or ethnicity. This can include racial slurs, offensive jokes or exclusion from opportunities.
• Gender: Unequal treatment based on gender, such as paying women less than men for the same work or denying promotions due to gender stereotypes.
• Age: Bias against employees or job applicants because of their age, often affecting older workers.
• Religion: Unfair treatment based on an individual’s religious beliefs or practices, such as refusing to accommodate religious holidays.
• Disability: Failing to provide reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities or treating them less favourably because of their condition.
• Sexual orientation: Discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Can I take my employer to court for discrimination?

If you believe you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, you may have the right to take legal action against your employer. Laws such as the Equality Act 2010 provide protections against workplace discrimination in the UK.

Before escalating the issue to a court case, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Document the discrimination: Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times and any witnesses.
• Report the behaviour: Inform your employer or HR department about the discrimination. Many companies have policies in place to address such issues.
• File a formal complaint: If internal reporting doesn’t resolve the issue, you can speak to Acas, Citizens Advice or a trade union representative for advice on how to raise a formal complaint with your employer.
• Speak to a solicitor: A lawyer specialising in employment law can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

If you want to discuss how to combat discrimination in your workplace, or you want to take your employer to court over a discrimination claim, speak to one of our employment law experts today.

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