By Subhaan Nadeem (Student)
Recognising the value of diversity and promoting inclusivity not only benefits a company but it also enhances the well-being of its employees. However, sometimes employees, job applicants and others are affected by discrimination or discriminative practices.
The law provides protection in the workplace under the Equality Act 2010.
This protects people from being unfairly treated on the ground of things such as their:
- age
- disability
- gender
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sex
- sexual orientation
A case of discrimination can involve several different patterns of behaviour. Both being excluded or suffering from harassment based on a certain characteristic would be considered discrimination. Things that classify as discrimination can be wide ranging, from inappropriate humour to a harassment campaign. Discrimination can also occur indirectly. This is where someone treats all their employees in the same way, but this discriminates about certain groups.
Discriminatory policies may be formal or informal, including one off decisions, long term plans and rules which have been decided but are still to be implemented.
If you feel like you may have been unfairly treated or discriminated against in the workplace, Staffordshire University legal advice clinic (SULAC) provide you with free advice.
If you would like to arrange a meeting, please call us on 01782 294800 or email sulac@staffs.ac.uk.