Discrimination is where an employer treats one employee less favourably than others, whether it is directly or indirectly, due to a specific characteristic that the indiviudal possesses. This could mean a female employee being paid less than a male colleague for doing the same job, or a minority ethnic employee being refused the training opportunities offered to white colleagues.

Discrimination can be in respect of a number of characteristics, several of which are detailed as follows: -

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

Your employer also can’t dismiss you or treat you less favourably than other workers because you:
work part time; or you are on a fixed-term contract.

Other common issues in the workplace are Harassment and Victimisation, which are summarised below:

Harassment -You have the right not to be harassed or made fun of at work or in a work-related setting (e.g. an office party). Harassment means offensive or intimidating behaviour - sexist language or racial abuse, which aims to humiliate, undermine or injure its target or has that effect. For example, allowing displays or distribution of sexually explicit material or giving someone a potentially offensive nickname.

Victimisation -Victimisation means treating somebody less favourably than others because they tried to make, or made, a complaint about discrimination. For example, it could be preventing you from going on training courses, taking unfair disciplinary action against you, or excluding you from company social events.

At Maddersons, we understand the impact that such treatment can have on an individual and aim to provide support and advice on your right to fair treatment.

If you think you have been the victim of discrimination, harrassment or victimisation in the workplace, please call a member of our Employment Department today for further advice.