Discrimination at Work

Everyone deserves to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. UK equality law strictly prohibits discrimination at work, protecting you from job application through to the end of employment. Knowing your rights empowers you to challenge unfair treatment.

The 9 Protected Characteristics

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone because of any of the 9 protected characteristics:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Protection against discrimination applies from day 1 of employment, with no minimum length of service required, and extends to job applicants and former employees.

Types of Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination can happen in different ways:

• Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably specifically because of a protected characteristic (for example, refusing to hire a qualified candidate because of their age).
• Indirect discrimination: Applying a rule, policy, or practice to everyone that puts people with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage, unless it can be objectively justified.
• Harassment: Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
• Victimisation: Treating someone badly because they raised a discrimination complaint or helped someone else make a complaint.

Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Workers

Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled job applicants and employees. This means making changes to workplace practices, physical premises, or providing assistive technology to remove disadvantages caused by a disability.

Taking Action Against Discrimination

If you experience discrimination, keep a detailed written record of dates, times, comments, and incidents. You can discuss the issue informally with your manager or file a formal internal grievance. If necessary, contact Acas to begin Early Conciliation before making an Employment Tribunal claim. Tribunal claims for discrimination must be submitted within 3 months minus 1 day from the date of the incident.

Learn more about your protections on GOV.UK's discrimination at work guide or seek confidential advice through Citizens Advice discrimination guide.