Do you feel like you are being discriminated against at work?
Our employment law experts can help you make a complaint and claim compensation. Find out how today.
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly at work, which is why there are laws in place to protect you from discrimination. The law sets out nine protected characteristics and if you have been discriminated against at work because of any of these characteristics, you may have a discrimination claim.
Our employment law solicitors understand that being discriminated against can be a traumatic time. We can guide you through your options, and will always have your best interests at heart. Whether you need helping raising a formal complaint, need guidance going through your internal grievance process, or you want to take your employer to the employment tribunal, our friendly and confidential team are on hand to help.
Speak to one of our Liverpool, Manchester, and St Helens Discrimination at Work solicitors today to find out how we can help.
What is Discrimination at Work?
Discrimination at work occurs when you have been treated unfairly or differently because your:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
These are the nine protected characteristics that are protected by law. The discrimination can be direct or indirect.
Direct discrimination happens when you and you alone have been treated differently due to one of the protected characteristics. Indirect discrimination occurs when a company-wide practice affects you because of these characteristics and your employer cannot justify the practice.
The Equality Act 2010
The nine characteristics are protected under The Equality Act 2010, which brought together 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act. Everyone in Britain is protected under this Act, and means that if anyone receives unfavourable treatment because of their characteristics there is a breach by the employer.
The Act provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. It provides Britain with a discrimination law that protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society.
What are examples of Discrimination at work?
Discrimination at work can be incredibly difficult to go through and can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Below are some examples:
Unequal pay – Where someone is paid less than other employees purely on the basis of a protected characteristic. This often happens where women are paid less than men doing the same job.
Unfair rules – This might occur where one religion is able to wear certain symbols of their faith, but another group is not.
Age Discrimination - This may happen where a 50-year-old worker is chosen for redundancy in preference for a younger worker with less experience and ability.
Maternity Discrimination - This can occur where a female employee is dismissed for poor attendance due to her pregnancy.
What services do we offer?
Our expert Liverpool, Manchester and St Helens solicitors can provide advice in relation to your employment law rights. We will provide an honest assessment of your situation, and always talk to you in plain English. If you want to proceed with a potential claim, we can:
- Support you when making an informal complaint
- Guide you through your internal grievance process
- Negotiate with your employer in order to reach an amicable settlement agreement
- Help you make a claim for unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal
- Issue proceedings and represent you at the Employment Tribunal
How can Smooth Commercial Law help?
The team at Smooth Commercial Law understand that being discriminated against can be one of the most stressful and traumatic times in your career. When you are facing difficulties like this at work, it is natural to have lots of questions and concerns around your job security.
Our Liverpool, Manchester and St Helens can guide you through all of the available options open to you, and will provide expert advice every step of the way. You can discuss your discrimination issue with us in confidence and gain reassurance from speaking to someone who understands your situation.
If you have any questions about discrimination at work, the process of making a claim, and your legal rights, contact our experienced Liverpool, Manchester, St Helens, and North West discrimination at work solicitors by calling 0800 046 9976 or by emailing info@smoothcl.co.uk. You can also contact us through our enquiry form here.