Employment law

Discrimination at work.

Everyone has the right to be treated fairly at work. If you have been discriminated against, we explain your rights under the Equality Act 2010 and help you take action.

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Your protection under the Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination at work because of nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The protection covers recruitment, pay, training, promotion, dismissal and how you are treated day to day.

Discrimination can take several forms. Direct discrimination is treating you less favourably because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination is a rule or practice that puts people who share your characteristic at a disadvantage. The Act also covers harassment, victimisation and, for disabled employees, a failure to make reasonable adjustments.

Unlike ordinary unfair dismissal, you do not need any minimum length of service to bring a discrimination claim. You are protected from your first day, and even as a job applicant. If you are dismissed for a reason linked to a protected characteristic, that may also be unlawful discrimination, as well as unfair dismissal.

The time limit is generally three months less one day from the act you are complaining about. Where discrimination is part of a continuing course of conduct, time may run from the end of that conduct, and a tribunal can extend time where it is just and equitable. These rules are complex, so act early.

What we do for you

Nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
No minimum length of service needed
Covers harassment, victimisation and reasonable adjustments
Applies from recruitment to dismissal
Strict time limits, so seek advice early

What we can help with

We advise on all forms of discrimination covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Direct discrimination
Being treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
Indirect discrimination
Rules or practices that put people like you at an unfair disadvantage.
Disability discrimination
Including failures to make reasonable adjustments for your disability.
Pregnancy and maternity
Unfavourable treatment because of pregnancy, maternity leave or related illness.
Harassment
Unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates your dignity.
Victimisation
Being treated badly because you complained about discrimination or supported someone who did.

How we help

Discrimination cases depend on evidence and timing. We help you get both right.

Free initial call

Tell us what has happened. We identify the key dates and any urgent time limit.
Build the picture

We review your evidence, documents and witnesses, and advise you on the strength of your claim.
Grievance and ACAS

We help you raise a grievance and take you through ACAS early conciliation, negotiating where appropriate.
Tribunal claim

If the matter does not resolve, we prepare your claim and represent you at the Employment Tribunal.

Key contact

Attiq Malik

Director and solicitor-advocate

Attiq has represented employees, including members of the RMT, T&G and CWU, as well as small and large businesses. He negotiates settlements and represents clients in tribunals. He has appeared in the Employment Appeal Tribunal, where he successfully argued a complex legal point that clarified the time claimants have to bring Employment Tribunal claims following ACAS conciliation. He regularly advises on settlement agreements and ACAS early conciliation.

Call 01582 853 783 Request a callback

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

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Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

What are the protected characteristics?

There are nine: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Discrimination because of any of these can be unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

Do I need to have worked for my employer for a certain time?

No. There is no minimum length of service for discrimination claims. You are protected from your first day at work, and job applicants are protected too.

How long do I have to bring a discrimination claim?

Generally three months less one day from the act of discrimination, extended by ACAS early conciliation. If the discrimination is continuing, time may run from the last act. A tribunal can allow a late claim where it is just and equitable, but you should not rely on this.

What is a reasonable adjustment?

Employers must make reasonable adjustments where a disabled employee would otherwise be at a substantial disadvantage. Examples include changes to hours, duties, equipment or the workplace. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances.

Can I be punished for complaining about discrimination?

No. Treating you badly because you made a complaint of discrimination, or helped someone else with one, is victimisation and is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783

43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019

107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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The first conversation is free, confidential, and privileged from the first word. We attend police stations across England and Wales, day and night.

24-hour line 01582 853 783

Discrimination at work.