Discrimination Law
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in the workplace. UK equality legislation protects employees, workers, job applicants, and in some circumstances former employees, from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
If you have been treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic, you may be entitled to bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal and seek compensation for the financial and personal impact of that treatment.
Protected Characteristics
The law protects individuals from discrimination on the grounds of:
Age
Disability
Gender reassignment
Marriage and civil partnership
Pregnancy and maternity
Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
Types of Unlawful Discrimination
Discrimination can occur in a variety of ways and may arise at any stage of employment, from recruitment and promotion to dismissal and redundancy.
Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Examples may include:
Refusing to recruit a suitably qualified candidate because of their race, religion, age, or sex.
Paying an employee less than a colleague performing the same role because of their gender or ethnicity.
Denying training, promotion, or career development opportunities based on a protected characteristic.
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination arises where a workplace policy, rule, or practice applies to everyone but places individuals who share a particular protected characteristic at a disadvantage.
Examples may include:
A workplace requirement that disadvantages employees of a particular faith.
A policy that creates barriers for disabled employees.
Working arrangements that disproportionately affect employees with childcare responsibilities.
An employer may only rely on such a requirement if it can demonstrate that it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
Harassment can take many forms, including:
Offensive comments or jokes
Bullying or intimidation
Exclusion from workplace activities
Derogatory remarks or inappropriate behaviour
Unwanted conduct related to race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
Victimisation
Victimisation occurs when an individual suffers a detriment because they have:
Made a complaint of discrimination;
Supported someone else's discrimination complaint;
Given evidence in discrimination proceedings; or
Raised concerns about equality issues in the workplace.
Employees should not be treated unfavourably for asserting their legal rights.
Discrimination in the Workplace
Discrimination claims may arise in relation to:
Recruitment and selection processes
Pay and benefits
Promotion opportunities
Training and professional development
Flexible working requests
Disciplinary procedures
Grievances
Dismissal and redundancy processes
Workplace culture and behaviour
Time Limits for Bringing a Claim
Strict time limits apply to Employment Tribunal claims. In most cases, a discrimination claim must be commenced within three months less one day from the date of the discriminatory act, or from the most recent act where there has been a continuing course of conduct.
Before bringing a claim, prospective claimants are generally required to notify ACAS and engage in Early Conciliation. The applicable time limits can be complex, so it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.
How We Can Help
We provide practical and professional support to individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or victimisation in the workplace. Our services include:
Assessing the merits of your claim
Advising on workplace grievances and internal procedures
Assisting with settlement negotiations
Preparing Employment Tribunal claims and responses
Representation throughout Employment Tribunal proceedings
Guidance on compensation and available remedies
Make an Enquiry Today
If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, contact us for a free initial consultation.
📞 Call us on 0141 255 1068 or Book a Free Consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced adviser.
We will explain your options, outline the strengths of your case, and discuss the most appropriate funding arrangements available to you, including fixed-fee services or other funding options where suitable.
