Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination takes place when an employer treats one employee less favourably in the workplace over others or when a person encounters discrimination during the recruitment process for a job.

An employer can not discriminate against you because of your:

+ disability
+ gender
+ age
+ civil partnership or marriage
+ gender reassignment
+ sexual orientation
+ race
+ colour
+ ethnic background
+ nationality
+ belief or religion
+ maternity leave or pregnancy maternity

The Disability Discrimination Act introduced laws to protect disabled workers. An employer is legally responsible for ensuring that discrimination does not happen in the workplace. An employer must make 'reasonable adjustments' to accommodate a disabled person during recruitment and in the workplace .If you require special equipment or need to adapt the working environment your employer may qualify for an 'Access To Work' grant.

Age discrimination in the workplace is unlawful in almost all types of employment. All workers and employees of any age are safeguarded from age discrimination including, contract workers, partners of firms and people in vocational training.

The 1976 Race Relations Act protects all racial groups - it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because of your colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins.

Sexual Orientation - it is unlawful for your employer to, victimise, harass or discriminate against you because of your sexual orientation, or your perceived sexual orientation.