Discrimination at Work – Know Your Rights
Discrimination at work can leave you feeling isolated, angry, or unsure of what to do next. At MHHP Law, we help employees understand their rights and challenge unlawful treatment with confidence.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for your employer to treat you unfairly because of a “protected characteristic.” These are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination doesn’t have to be loud or obvious. It can be subtle or systemic, and it includes being excluded, overlooked, or subjected to unfair policies.
You are also protected if you’re perceived to have a characteristic (e.g. being assumed to be gay), or if you’re associated with someone who has a characteristic (e.g. caring for a disabled partner).
Types of Discrimination
- Direct discrimination – being treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
- Indirect discrimination – a rule or policy that applies to everyone but puts certain groups at a disadvantage without good reason.
- Harassment – unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.
- Victimisation – being treated badly because you raised a complaint about discrimination or supported someone else who did.
- Disability discrimination – includes failure to make reasonable adjustments and treating someone unfairly due to something arising from their disability.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers have a legal duty to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This includes:
- Ensuring fair recruitment, promotion, and workplace practices
- Making reasonable adjustments for disabled staff
- Taking active steps to prevent sexual harassment (a new legal duty from October 2024)
- Investigating and acting on concerns raised
If your employer fails to take reasonable steps, they may be legally responsible for what happens — including harassment by other staff or even clients.
What Can You Do?
- Keep records – of incidents, emails, or conversations that concern you
- Raise concerns – with HR or your manager, preferably in writing
- Make a formal complaint – through your workplace grievance procedure
- Get legal advice – we can help you assess whether your rights have been breached
If the issue can’t be resolved internally, you may be able to bring a claim to the Employment Tribunal. Most discrimination claims must be brought within three months minus one day of the last act of discrimination. You’ll also need to go through Acas Early Conciliation first.
How We Can Help
At MHHP Law, we’ll listen carefully to your experience, explain your rights clearly, and help you decide on the best course of action. Whether it’s informal resolution, a grievance, or legal action, we’re with you every step of the way.
If you want advice on any matters relating to employment, you can contact Tayo Taylor at tayo.taylor@mhhplaw.com or on 020 3667 4783
MHHP Law LLP – Supporting Employees Across North London and Beyond.
