By Jyoti Jha
Discrimination is the unfair treatment of a person or group of people based on their protected characteristics. Although illegal, discrimination occurs frequently in the workplace and can lead employers and employees into trouble.
Workplace discrimination comes in many forms, and employees may experience discriminatory behavior from their employers or colleagues. It can sometimes be difficult to determine what is and isn’t discrimination in the workplace. That’s why we’ve discussed what’s classed as workplace discrimination in this article.
What Counts As Workplace Discrimination?
If an employer treats one of their employees differently or an employee does the same towards a colleague based on their protected characteristics, it can be seen as discrimination.
Protected characteristics include age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, nationality, language, pregnancy, religion, marriage, or military background. Discriminating against a person because of one or more of these characteristics can lead to decreased work performance, psychological trauma, physical abuse, and legal repercussions.
Under employment laws, employers must implement anti-discrimination policies to protect their employees from discriminatory actions and behaviours. They must also ensure their employees are aware of these anti-discrimination policies and the potential consequences of breaching them.
What Are The Main Types Of Discrimination In The Workplace?
Although there are several protected characteristics, some are more commonly discriminated against than others. The most common types of discrimination in the workplace include age, sex, racial, and disability discrimination.
Age Discrimination
As its name suggests, age discrimination refers to treating an individual differently or unfairly based on their age. For example, if your employer makes you redundant or demotes you and fills your position with a younger worker, this may be considered age discrimination.
Sex Discrimination
Discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender identity is illegal. An example of this type of discrimination is if your employer pays you less than your male or female counterparts or provides different treatment for each gender within their workplace.
Racial Discrimination
If your employer treats you differently, offers you fewer opportunities, or makes unsolicited comments based on your race or ethnic background, this is a form of discrimination.
Disability Discrimination
Another common form of discrimination within the workplace is unfair treatment based on a physical or mental disability.
Your employer must make reasonable accommodations to ensure you can perform your job properly. If they refuse to do so, treat you differently, or provide fewer progression opportunities for you because of your disability, this counts as discrimination.
Taking Action If You’re Experiencing Discrimination
If you’re experiencing discrimination of any kind in the workplace, you must take action. Contact a discrimination lawyer who can gather evidence of the discriminatory behaviours you have been a victim of and help you take legal action against the perpetrator(s).
A discrimination lawyer can take your case to the employment tribunal or court, depending on the needs of your case. They can also liaise with your employer to determine the cause of the discrimination and gain a compensation payout for your trauma and lost wages if relevant.
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