Discrimination at Work – Expert Employment Lawyers for Employees in England & Wales
Have you been treated unfairly at work because of who you are? If you’re facing discrimination at work, you don’t have to endure it in silence.
Our specialist employment discrimination lawyers are here to help employees across England and Wales stand up for their rights. We offer clear, compassionate legal advice and fast action to address unfair treatment based on race, sex, disability, or any other protected trait.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination means you’re being mistreated or treated less favourably because of a personal characteristic. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects employees from workplace discrimination. This law defines “protected characteristics” – aspects of who you are that employers cannot legally base decisions on. You’re being mistreated for any of these; it’s against the law. Protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 include:
- Age: Being targeted or passed over because you’re considered too old or too young.”
- Disability: Unfair treatment due to a physical or mental condition, or lack of reasonable workplace adjustments.
- Gender Reassignment: Discrimination because you are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived as transgender.
- Marriage or Civil Partnership: Being mistreated at work for being married or in a civil partnership. (Protected in employment situations.)
- Pregnancy and Maternity: Penalised for being pregnant, taking maternity leave, or related absences.
- Race: Unfair treatment because of your race, ethnicity, colour, or nationality.
- Religion or Belief: Being discriminated against for your religion, faith, or philosophical beliefs (or lack thereof).
- Sex: Being treated worse because you are a man or a woman (including gender-based harassment or bias).
- Sexual Orientation: Facing bias or harassment for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, or any orientation.
Direct discrimination is when you’re treated worse because of one of these characteristics (for example, being denied a promotion explicitly due to your age). Indirect discrimination is more subtle – a neutral policy or rule that unfairly affects one group (for instance, a dress code that unwittingly disadvantages a religious group). Harassment (offensive or degrading behaviour related to a protected trait) and victimisation (being punished for raising a discrimination complaint) are also unlawful. No matter the form it takes, workplace discrimination is both wrong and illegal.
Signs You Are Facing Discrimination at Work
Wondering if what you’you’reeriencing counts as discrimination? Sometimes it’sit’sious; other times it’s hidden behind excuses. Here are some common signs of workplace discrimination:
- Unfair Promotion or Pay Decisions: You consistently get passed over for promotions, pay raises, or opportunities given to others with similar or less experience. For example, a less qualified colleague gets a role instead of you, and the only difference is your race, gender, or other protected trait.
- Derogatory Comments or Harassment: You hear offensive jokes, nicknames, or remarks about your background (such as racist or sexist comments) from managers or coworkers. Even “jus” teasing” ca” be harassment if it targets who you are.
- Exclusion or Different Treatment: You’re out of meetings, team social events, or essential communications that others are included in – and it seems tied to your personal characteristics. Perhaps you’re the only team member of a particular religion, and you’re being excluded or ignored.
- Policy or Schedule Issues: Workplace policies or rules put you at a disadvantage. For instance, a new scheduling policy makes no exceptions for your religious holiday or targets those with disabilities by not allowing remote work or necessary breaks.
- Negative Changes After Disclosure: You notice things changed for the worse after you revealed something personal. Maybe after you informed your boss of your pregnancy or came out as gay, your performance reviews plunged, or you were moved to a lower-paying role without justification.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may well be facing unlawful discrimination. It’s normal to feel upset, confused, or scared to speak up – but remember, you have the right to a fair and equal workplace. Our role is to help you confirm if your experience is legally classed as discrimination and to take action against it.
How to Protect Yourself: Gathering Evidence of Unfair Treatment
Substantial evidence is key to proving a workplace discrimination case. Start documenting what’s happening as soon as you suspect discrimination. Even though you’re not 100% sure yet, having a record will help. Here’s what you can do to build your case:
- Keep a Written Record: Maintain a diary of incidents. Note dates, times, locations, who was involved, and precisely what was said or done. These notes can refresh your memory and serve as a timeline of events.
- Save Emails and Messages: Preserve any emails, texts, or messages that show discriminatory behaviour or decisions. For example, an email chain about a promotion that hints at a need for a younger “vibe,” or a message with a derogatory joke, can be robust evidence.
- Gather Documents: Collect relevant documents such as performance reviews, company policies, or meeting notes. These can show any sudden changes or unfair requirements. If you have written policies (e.g. on dress code or attendance), they might reveal indirect discrimination if they disproportionately affect you or your group.
- Identify Witnesses: Note any colleagues who witnessed the unfair treatment or patterns. If a coworker saw your manager make a discriminatory remark, their testimony could support your case. We can help gather statements confidentially, so witnesses don’t fear retaliation.
- Keep Performance Records: You’re being accused of poor performance as a smokescreen; hold on to past appraisals or awards that contradict these claims. This helps show that any adverse actions against you weren’t truly about your work, but possibly about discrimination.
Don’tn’t worry you’re’re unsure wh “t “cou” ts” as evidence – our lawyers will guide you. We know precisely what an Employment Tribunal looks for. From the moment you contact us, we’ll help you compile and preserve critical evidence. Acting quickly is essential; it prevents evidence “r”” “disappe “r” “g” and ensures deadlines aren’t missed.
Starting a Discrimination Claim
Taking formal action can feel daunting, but we make the process straightforward and supportive. Here’s how to start a discrimination claim and how we assist you at each step:
- Raise the IsIssueGrievance)In many cases, the first step is to notify your employer of the problem. This often means filing a formal complaint or grievance with your manager or HR department. We can advise you on how to write this complaint or even draft it for you. (I’ve been dismissed; the situation is beyond repair, so this step might not apply) We’ll address your specific case.) Raising a grievance not only gives your employer a chance to fix things, but it also creates a written record that you tried to resolve the issue reasonably.
- Early Conciliation (Acas) – Fast Legal Guidance: If the internal complaint doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to file an external claim. In England and Wales, before you can file an Employment Tribunal claim, you must go through Acas Early Conciliation. This is a free service where Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) contacts both you and your employer to see if the dispute can be settled without a tribunal. Don’t we handle this process for you? We will notify Acas on your behalf and manage communications. Often, we can use this stage to negotiate a settlement (for instance, a compensation payout and maybe an agreed reference for you) without the stress of going to court.
- Employment Tribunal Claim: If conciliation doesn’t work, we move swiftly to file your claim with the Employment Tribunal. There are strict time limits – usually 3 months minus 1 day from the last act of discrimination – to start this legal action, so acting fast is crucial. Our team will meticulously prepare your claim form (the ET1), setting out the discrimination you faced and the outcomes you seek. We’ll make sure no deadlines are missed and that your case is presented in the strongest possible way.
- Representation and Support: Once your claim is filed, the legal process begins. This can involve written statements, gathering further evidence, and possibly a hearing. Our specialist discrimination lawyers will be by your side at every stage. We take care of the legal heavy lifting – drafting documents, corresponding with your employer, and representing you in the tribunal. If there are preliminary hearings or a full tribunal hearing, we will passionately advocate for you. You won’t have to face your employer or their legal team alone.
Throughout this process, we always keep your goals front and centre. Some clients want a quick settlement; others want their day in court. Maybe you want to remain in your job, or perhaps you prefer to exit with compensation. We tailor our approach to what you want to achieve. And remember, our service is confidential – simply talking to us does not obligate you to take any action unless and until you’re ready.
Potential Outcomes of a Discrimination Case
What can you expect if your discrimination claim is successful? Every case is different, but our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Here are some potential results we aim for:
- Financial Compensation: The most common outcome is monetary compensation for what you went through. This can cover lost earnings (e.g. if you missed out on bonuses or had to leave your job), and “n” injury to feelings – an award for the distress, humiliation, or anxiety the discrimination caused you. Unlike some other employment claims, discrimination compensation in the UK is uncapped, meaning there’s no fixed upper limit. We will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve to make up for your losses and suffering.
- Settlement Agreements: In many cases, employers choose to settle before a tribunal makes a judgment. A settlement might include a lump-sum payment, an agreed reference for future job hunting, and, sometimes, an apology or a promise to improve workplace policies. We are skilled negotiators and often secure favourable settlements that save you the time and stress of a hearing while still holding your employer accountable.
- Reinstatement or Re-engagement: In some instances, you might want your job back or a similar position if you were unfairly forced out. An Employment Tribunal can order reinstatement (giving you your old job back) or re-engagement (a comparable job). However, trust and relationships are often damaged in discrimination cases, so this outcome is less common. We’ll see whether you want to pursue this.
- Policy Changes and Apologies. It’s not about money; it’s about making sure what happened to you doesn’t happen to others. Sometimes, part of the resolution includes your employer updating their policies or providing training to staff to prevent future discrimination. While a tribunal can’t make an apology or policy change, employers will often take these steps as part of settling a case or after losing one. Knowing you’ve made a positive change can be an empowering outcome of your fight.
Regardless of the outcome you seek, our firm is committed to achieving justice for you. We combine legal expertise with genuine care to ensure you feel vindicated and secure moving forward. We’ll give you honest advice about what compensation or result you might expect given your situation, and we won’t give false hopes – but rest assured, we always strive for the maximum outcome for our clients.
Why Choose Us for Your Discrimination Case?
Facing workplace discrimination is stressful, but choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. We don’t provide legal advice – we provide peace of mind and a plan of action. Here are employees across England and Wales who trust us with their discrimination cases:
- Remote Service: No matter where you are in England or Wales, our expert service is available to you. We leverage phone, email, and video calls to handle your case remotely, so you get top-quality legal help without the need for travel or in-person meetings. This means you can focus on your job and well-being while we handle the legal work, all from the convenience of your home or office.
- Same-Day Advice: When you’re discriminated against, time is critical. Contact us for a free, confidential initial consultation, and you’ll receive prompt support. In fact, our lawyers are often available to give same-day advice. The moment you reach out, prioritise your case – answering your questions, outlining your options, and starting to protect your rights immediately. Fast action can be vital (especially with short tribunal deadlines), so we make your issue a priority from day one.
- Specialist Lawyers: Our team consists of specialist employment law solicitors who focus on discrimination and workplace fairness—this isn’t legal advice; it’s experience honed through years of Equality Act cases. We know the tactics employers use to deny discrimination and how to counter them. With in-depth knowledge of case law and tribunal procedures, we build robust cases that get results. You’ll be assigned a discrimination lawyer to handle your matter, and you’ll get knowledgeable, relevant advice.
- Tribunal Representation: Should your case go to an Employment Tribunal, you’ll have a seasoned advocate by your side. We have a strong track record of representing clients in tribunals and court hearings. From preparing witness statements to cross-examining the employers, we handle it all. Our firm will stand up for you in front of the tribunal judge, presenting a compelling argument for why you were wronged. You won’t have to face the legal battle alone; we’ll be fighting for you every step of the way.
- Transparent Pricing: We believe in transparency and fairness, not just in employment, but in our fees too. Our pricing is clear and straightforward. We will explain all costs upfront, so you know what to expect—no hidden charges, no surprise bills. In many cases, we can work on a fixed-fee basis or agree on stages, so you remain in control of the budget. And if you have legal expense insurance or union support, we’ll help you utilise it. Our goal is to ensure affordable access to justice without added financial stress.
- Strong Track Record: When you choose us, you’re choosing a firm with an excellent success rate in handling discrimination-at-work cases. We’ve helped countless employees win claims or secure substantial settlements against employers of all sizes – from small businesses to major corporations. Our past clients consistently report high satisfaction, praising our effectiveness and outcome-focused approach. We are proud of the positive results we achieve, and we bring that proven expertise to every new case.
- Client-First Approach: Empathy and respect are at the heart of our service. We know how personal and upsetting workplace discrimination can be. That’s why we put our clients first. Your well-being concerns and goals guide everything we do. You’ll find us friendly, approachable, and ready to listen without judgment. We communicate in clear, plain language (no confusing legal jargon) so you always understand your options. And we keep you informed at each stage, so you’re never left in the dark. Simply put, your fight becomes our fight – and we genuinely care about getting you the justice you deserve.
When you work with us, you gain a partner who genuinely cares and will go above and beyond to help you move forward from this challenging experience.
Contact Us for Fast, Compassionate Legal Help Today.
Contact our employment law specialists today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your situation and explain how we can help. Call us now or use our quick online form to get in touch. You’ll receive prompt, same-day feedback from a friendly discrimination lawyer who understands your problem. Don’t let unfair treatment derail your career or your confidence.
With our expert, empathetic, and effective legal support, you can enforce your rights and make your employer accountable. Reach out now, and let us help you secure the fair treatment, compensation, and peace of mind you deserve. Your fight for a discrimination-free workplace starts here. We’ll be there every step of the way.
