Discrimination and harassment

Discrimination claims are extremely complex. The most common types of discrimination are on the grounds of sex, race, pregnancy, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation and age.

Each type of discrimination is governed by a separate piece of legislation and therefore differs very slightly. However, all forms of discrimination include:

• Direct Discrimination – less favourable treatment on the grounds of or for a reason related to the employee’s sex, race, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age

• Indirect Discrimination – applying a provision, criterion or practice with which it is more difficult for the employee and other employees in similar circumstances to comply

• Harassment – conduct towards the employee which has either violated the employee's dignity or created an environment which the employee finds intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive for reasons relating to their sex, race, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age

• Victimisation – less favourable treatment as a result of the employee’s acts or raising or supporting allegations of discrimination

In order to pursue a claim for discrimination, there is no minimum period of employment required. If you believe you may have been discriminated against for one of the reasons set out above, we advise you to get in touch as soon as possible.