Have you received a discrimination claim from an employee against your company?
If you need legal help, our employment solicitors are on hand to guide you through your next steps.
No business owner wants to receive a discrimination claim against their company. Not only are the potential Tribunal awards for discrimination unlimited, but it could also massively damage your company’s reputation.
If an employee says that you or another employee at your business has unlawfully discriminated against them in a work situation, you have a responsibility to deal with the complaint in a way that determines whether there has been unlawful discrimination, and if there has, put it right as soon as possible.
It is, therefore, crucial that you seek expert employment law advice as soon as possible in order to address to claim and potentially defend it in the employment tribunal.
If you would like more advice on the services our Liverpool, Manchester and St Helens employment law solicitors can offer you and your business, call us on 0800 046 9976 or fill out an enquiry form here.
What is Discrimination at Work?
Discrimination at work occurs when an employee has been treated unfairly or differently because of their:
- 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 an employee has been treated differently due to one of the protected characteristics. Indirect discrimination occurs when a company-wide practice affects employees because of these characteristics and the employer cannot justify the practice.
The Equality Act 2010
These 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 for employers?
Our expert Liverpool, Manchester and St Helens solicitors can provide advice in relation to the potential discrimination in the workplace. We will provide an honest assessment of your company’s situation, and always talk to you in plain English. Our confidential employment law team can:
- Give you advice in relation to defending a claim
- Identify whether the claim is genuine or being used to scare the employer
- Potentially negotiate with the employee in order to reach an amicable settlement agreement
- Appeal a decision against you in the employment tribunal
- Provide employment law advice on discrimination issues moving forward
How can Smooth Commercial Law help?
The team at Smooth Commercial Law can provide expert legal advice on discrimination at work and defend your company against existing action. Our team can help defend against accusations of discrimination, and also help with best practice policies to avoid future claims.
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 defending 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 sb@smooth-commercial-law.co.uk. You can also contact us through our enquiry form here.