Hassle-free help from the UK's best Employment solicitors.
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Transparent pricing, from start to finishGet the support you need, when you need itTrusted lawyers, clear expectations
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
Amazing experience
After placing an enquiry, I received a call 20 minutes later, and then 2 hours later, I had a solicitor assigned to me. They were absolutely incredible right from the word go - amazing and very prompt with replies, answering all my questions and keeping the process moving. We finally completed today and I am so unbelievably happy. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Lawhive again in the future if needed.
Lily
First class service
I initially made an online enquiry about a tricky conveyancing matter and received an immediate call back. They understood straight away what was needed and gave me a quote that was very reasonable. It was such a pleasure to find someone who was cheerful, professional and completely reassuring as I’d been getting quite anxious about the sale of my house. The service Lawhive has provided is absolutely first class and I cannot recommend them enough.
Charles
Empathetic, professional and efficient
I am an executor, selling my mother's home. I found the assistance I received from Lawhive first rate - empathetic, professional and efficient.
Mark
Great service from Lawhive
We used Lawhive for our conveyancing needs and our solicitor was very helpful, patient and informative. She helped us with our needs with prompt responses and provided a very efficient service.
Kelvin
Great service when you need clarity and calm
Our solicitor was warm, friendly and provided crystal clear communication. A lot of conveyancers assume customers know everything about the process already, so it was really appreciated to hear each stage included in the price given.
Em
Quick and efficient
We used Lawhive for a transfer of property and conveyancing. Our solicitor was so helpful and thorough with the whole process. He responded quickly and efficiently to any questions or requests that we had and explained some of the more complicated issues regarding the process clearly.
Geri
Fantastic service and experience with Lawhive
I had the pleasure of working with Lawhive doing a transfer of equity on a property. Our solicitor’s service was amazing, she responded quickly to any questions or concerns and kept me updated throughout the process. I can strongly recommend her for any conveyancing work that you may need. Fantastic service all round.
Jane
It shouldn’t take a law degree to find the right legal service for you. With Lawhive, you can get legal help in just a couple of steps.
Answer a few questions on our site and instantly speak to a member of our team for a quote or request a callback at a time you choose.
We’re always open about our fees, so you’ll never pay more than you’re expecting.
Our lawyers are carefully selected for their expertise and experience, so you’re always in safe hands.
01 overview
Workplace discrimination is a serious issue that affects employees across the UK.
Whether it’s subtle biases or obvious unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, discrimination can create a toxic work environment that affects your career and well-being.
No one should have to go through such injustice, yet many employees find themselves dealing with these challenges daily.
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, being passed over for promotions, receiving unequal pay, facing unwarranted disciplinary actions, or even experiencing harassment. These experiences can be isolating and stressful. Worse still, many employees worry about the repercussions of speaking out, such as losing their jobs or facing further mistreatment.
At Lawhive, our goal is to give you the knowledge and support you need to stand up against workplace discrimination. Our network of specialist employment solicitors has extensive experience in handling discrimination cases and is on hand to provide clear actionable advice for your circumstances.
From initial consultations to gathering evidence and representing you in tribunal or court proceedings, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your case is handled professionally and effectively.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist lawyer.
Workplace discrimination is when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly or less favourably due to a characteristic protected by law.
The Equality Act 2010 is the primary legislation in the UK that outlines what constitutes unlawful discrimination. It protects individuals from discrimination based on specific protected characteristics, which include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
| Type | Definition | Example |
| Direct Discrimination | When someone is treated less favourably than others because of a protected characteristic | Refusing to promote an employee because of their race or gender |
| Indirect Discrimination | When a company policy, practice, or rule that applies to everyone disproportionately disadvantages people with a particular protected characteristic. | A company policy requiring all employees to work full-time could disproportionately affect women who are more likely to have childcare responsibilities and need flexible hours. |
| Harrassment | Unwanted behavior related to a protected characteristic that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment | Making derogatory jokes about someone’s religion or sending offensive emails |
| Victimisation | When someone is treated badly because they have made a complaint of discrimination or supported someone else’s complaint | An employee is demoted after filing a grievance about discrimination or supporting a colleague’s discrimination claim. |
The Equality Act 2010 defines specific characteristics as protected against discrimination. These include:
Workplace discrimination can manifest in various ways, impacting employees at different stages of their employment.
Here are some common scenarios and examples of workplace discrimination:
| Scenarios | Example |
| Hiring and recruitment | An employer might reject job applications from candidates of a certain race or gender, even if they meet all the job requirements. Additionally, job advertisements that specify preferred ages, genders, or ethnic backgrounds can also be discriminatory. |
| Pay and benefits | Two employees performing the same job may receive different salaries or benefits based on their gender or race. For instance, a female employee might be paid less than a male counterpart for the same role, which constitutes gender discrimination. |
| Promotions and career advancement | An employer might overlook a qualified employee for a promotion because of their age, disability, or other protected characteristic. This could involve promoting a younger, less experienced candidate over an older, more experienced one solely based on age. |
| Harassment or bullying | An employee might face derogatory remarks, offensive jokes, or unwanted physical contact because of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Such behavior creates a hostile work environment and constitutes harassment. |
| Inappropriate handling of maternity or parental leave | A pregnant employee might be denied the right to take maternity leave or might face demotion or termination after returning from leave. Similarly, an employee requesting paternity leave might be unfairly treated or face job loss. |
| Inaccessible workplaces or lack of reasonable accommodations for disabilities | An employer might fail to provide necessary accommodations for a disabled employee, such as wheelchair ramps, modified workstations, or flexible working hours. This can make it difficult or impossible for the employee to perform their job duties effectively. |
If you, or another colleague, is subject to workplace discrimination you should first raise your concerns with either your immediate supervisor or HR through your company's formal grievance procedure.
If internal reporting does not resolve the issue, you may consider seeking external support and advice either through:
If internal and external resolutions fail, you may file a claim with an Employment Tribunal. This legal body resolves disputes between employees and employers over employment rights.
Typically, you have three months less one day from the date of the discriminatory act to submit your claim.
At Lawhive, our network of experienced workplace discrimination lawyers is on hand to provide clear, actionable advice and help you understand your legal rights and the protections available to you.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and a personalised quote for the help of a specialist workplace discrimination lawyer.
Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably due to a protected characteristic.
Indirect discrimination happens when a policy applies to everyone but disproportionately affects those with a protected characteristic.
It's not always easy to spot workplace discrimination, especially when it's subtle or systemic.
Key signs of workplace discrimination can include:
If you're unsure whether you have a viable workplace discrimination claim, a solicitor can assess your situation and explain your legal rights and protections available to you.
You have the right to be treated fairly and equally during the hiring process.
Discrimination based on protected characteristics is illegal, and you may file a complaint or take legal action if you face such discrimination.
Yes, if your discrimination claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings, emotional distress, and other related damages.
Types of evidence you can use to support a discrimination claim include:
Generally, you have three months from the date of the discriminatory act to file a claim with an Employment Tribunal.
Before submitting a claim to the Employment Tribunal, you should notify Acas as they will offer you and your employer the opportunity through early conciliation.
If conciliation is unsuccessful or either party declines to participate, ACAS will issue a certificate. You need this certificate to proceed with an Employment Tribunal claim.
Once you have a Certificate of Conciliation, you can submit your claim by completing the ET1 form, which can be done online.
When your claim is submitted, your employer will get a copy and must respond by filing an ET3 form within 28 days, which essentially provides their version of events and any defences they have against your claim. If they don't, this could result in a default judgment in your favour.
Before the tribunal hearing, both you and your employer will have to disclose all documents relevant to the case.
A full hearing will then be scheduled, which is typically conducted by a panel including an employment judge and two 'lay members,' who bring expertise from the workplace or employee perspectives.
After hearing the evidence and arguments, the tribunal will deliberate and make a decision. This can be delivered immediately after the hearing or reserved to be provided in writing later.
The tribunal will issue a written judgment outlining their decision and the reasons behind it. If you win your claim, the judgment will include details of any compensation or remedies awarded.
Potential outcomes of a successful discrimination claim include:
You may receive compensation for:
In rare cases, where the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious or involved a flagrant disregard for your rights, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter future misconduct.
If you were unfairly dismissed due to discrimination, the tribunal might order your reinstatement to your former position or, if reinstatement is not feasible, re-engagement in a comparable role within the company.
The tribunal may also order your employer to make changes to workplace policies and practices to prevent future discrimination. This can include revising anti-discrimination policies, implementing training programs, or modifying complaint procedures.
In some cases, the tribunal may issue a declaration affirming that discrimination happened, providing official recognition of the wrongful treatment you experienced.
Or, the tribunal may issue injunctions requiring the employer to stop harassment, discriminatory policies, or any other harmful actions.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you are protected from retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation. This protection extends to making complaints internally or externally and supporting others who report discrimination.
Retaliation can include termination, demotion, unfavorable work assignments, reduced hours, harassment, or creating a hostile work environment.
If you are retaliated against for reporting discrimination, you should seek external support from either Acase, your trade union representative, or an employment law solicitor.
You may be able to file a further claim with an Employment Tribunal in such cases.
Experiencing workplace discrimination can be deeply unsettling. Many employees worry about whether they have a valid case and how they can go about tackling the issue without making it work.
A solicitor specialising in workplace discrimination cases can be an invaluable ally in getting through such a difficult situation. Their expertise and support can help you:
To effectively handle complaints of workplace discrimination employees should:
At Lawhive, our network of employment lawyers offers end-to-end support from from initial consultations to tribunal representation and beyond.
We offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, making expert legal support accessible to everyone and handle your case with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and a tailored quote for our services.
With straightforward pricing - so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
