Discrimination at Work

It is unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of a worker's :-

• sex
• pregnancy
• childbirth or maternity leave
• status as a married person
• sexual orientation
• race
• colour
• nationality
• ethnic origin
• religion
• belief
• disability
• membership (or non-membership) of a trade union
• part time work status

An individual who is discriminated against unlawfully may apply to an employment tribunal.    Initially, there is an obligation on both employer and worker to try and resolve any allegation of discrimination through the employer's internal grievance procedure.    An employment tribunal will generally not consider a claim until such an internal procedure has been finalized.      There is no age or length of service requirement to present a claim nor does the claimant need to work a specified number of hours.    

Examples of discrimination in employment include :-

• refusing to employ a worker based on any of the discriminatory reasons detailed above.
• dismissing for any of the discriminatory reasons detailed above.
• refusing to promote or pay appropriately for any of the discriminatory reasons detailed above.
• dismissing or other less favourable treatment for a reason related to pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave or parental leave.
• sexual harassment.

Please contact us for further information.