The introduction of specific rules outlawing discrimination against workers on various grounds has been a key and developing feature of modern employment law. Our expert solicitors can advise on how to deal with these issues.

The Equality Act 2010 lists certain ‘protected characteristics’ (gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, disability and age). A claimant does not need to be an employee in order to seek protection from the Act. As such, employers need to tread more carefully to ensure there is no discrimination in the workplace.

Discrimination on any of the above grounds can take place either directly or indirectly.

Direct discrimination: An employer directly discriminates against an employee if it treats the employee less favourably than it treats, or would treat, another person in the same or similar circumstances, and does so because of one of the protected characteristics.

Indirect discrimination: An employer indirectly discriminates against an employee if it applies an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice that puts those in the employee’s protected group at a particular disadvantage compared to other groups.

How our employment discrimination solicitors can help you:

• Ensure that your recruitment process, terms of employment and internal policies and procedures are compliant with current legislation
• If you are faced with a claim, advise you on its merits and, if need be, represent you in the Employment Tribunal
• Advise on drafting an equal opportunities policy