Discrimination in the workplace
The law in the UK is quite specific and many advances have been made over the years to protect individuals and minority groups from discrimination in the workplace.
Any person who is treated differently because of their race, sex, nationality, national or ethnic origins are protected after the 1st December 2003 is protected by these laws. Discrimination against a person’s sexual orientation since 1st December 2003 and age discrimination since 1st October 2006.
The above laws mean the world of work is changing and employers now have to accommodate a much wider variety of religious and cultural needs in the workplace in some cases by making prayer rooms and taking a more flexible look on time for religious holidays. Within this article we hope to cover the basics.
Discrimination is protected on the grounds of religious beliefs but not against political or philosophical beliefs.
Discrimination against someone’s sexual orientation applies to every variant but not to sexual practices or preferences. Discrimination often occurs based upon the perception of a person’s sexual orientation, even if that perception is wrong.
Discrimination against sex can occur when two employees are paid different rates despite doing the same job or similar work because of their sex.
Disabled people are protected under the act of 1995 which places onus on the employer to implement measures to ensure the disadvantaged employee can perform their tasks equal well. Discrimination can occur because a disabled person in the workplace receives less favourable treatment than their colleagues who are not disabled.
Unfortunately the act does not apply to employers with less than 15 workers.
Discrimination can also happen when members of trade unions are treated less favourably than non members and also can work in reverse.
In the case of discrimination there is no minimum work service requirement of 1 year, you can bring a claim if you have only been in your employment a week or even if your not an employee and have been discriminated during a job selection process.
