If you believe you have been treated less favourably because of your race, please contact one of our solicitors for advice.
The laws concerning race discrimination (found in the Equality Act 2010) protect a wide range of individuals, including employees. They apply to all parts of employment, including recruitment, promotions and dismissals.
Under the Equality Act 2010, and employer is not allowed to:
- Discriminate directly by treating a job applicant or employee less favourably than others because of race.
- Discriminate indirectly by applying a provision, criterion or practice that disadvantages job applicants or employees of a particular racial group without a good reason
- Subject a job applicant or employee to harassment related to race.
- Victimise a job applicant or employee because they have made or intend to make a race discrimination complaint
Race discrimination may be permitted in certain limited circumstances. For example:
- Where there is an occupational requirement (OR) for an employee to be of a particular race.
- Positive action, but not positive discrimination, may be permitted to address existing inequalities.
If a job applicant or employee is successful with a race discrimination claim, an employment tribunal will generally make an award of compensation (including a sum for injury to feelings). The tribunal may also (or instead) make a declaration as to the parties' rights and/or make an appropriate recommendation.
