It can happen before, during and after employment and affects a broader category of people than just employees. Discrimination can be difficult to prevent, but it’s not impossible.

The law protects certain groups of people from being treated less favourably than others. It’s to make sure that everyone has a fair opportunity to work and to become more skillful irrespective of their:

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

Discrimination can happen directly, indirectly and it can result from victimisation, harassment and in some cases association and perception. It’s a complex area of law where the specifics of each case are critical.

For employers, this presents a challenge. Understanding and applying equality laws – which are constantly evolving to keep up with the realities of modern life - is rarely straightforward. An innocent remark in one context may be deeply discriminatory in another.

As employers can be liable for comments, actions and inactions of its staff, customers, suppliers and others, there needs to be robust regulation of workplace behaviour. Failing to set standards, to be clear on what is and what isn’t acceptable, and to deal with problems can lead not only to a hostile and unproductive workforce but a poor reputation internally and in the wider commercial world. Then there are tribunal claims which can attract limitless compensation.

About our Discrimination Solicitors

Our employment lawyers work with organisations to make the law clearer. They help employers understand their duties and responsibilities and put in place the right policies, procedures and training and monitoring systems which cover all bases. For us, it’s about helping employers do everything they can to minimise the risk of discrimination taking place and, if it does, limiting their liability.

Please contact us to discuss how our specialist employment law solicitors can help you.