Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

Duncan Lewis Employment Law Solicitors – Discrimination and Equal Opportunities

The Equality Act 2010 came in to force on 1 October 2010 – and the Act amalgamates individual pieces of legislation previously in force to offer protection against discrimination in the workplace.

The legislation protects workers from being discriminated against at work or disadvantaged in the job market for reasons which have nothing to do with the skills that they have to offer or how well they do a job.

Under the Equality Act, it is illegal to discriminate anyone on the grounds of what are called “protected characteristics”:

• Sex
• Age
• Race
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Marital or civil partnership status
• Pregnancy
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave.

Workers are also protected from discrimination if:

• They are associated with someone who has a protected characteristic (eg a family member or friend)
• They have complained about discrimination or supported another person’s claim for discrimination.

Sometimes it may be difficult for a worker or employee to be sure if they have been discriminated against under the Equality Act 2010 and “protected characteristics”.

Those carrying out discrimination may operate in subtle ways – or make an employee feel they are mistaken if they bring the matter to the attention of their line manager or employer.

Employees or workers who suspect or feel they have been discriminated against for reasons which have nothing to do with how they perform at work or their ability to do a job should seek expert legal advice from a specialist employment law solicitor like Duncan Lewis, who will be able to assess the case and advise on the law.

Discrimination in the workplace or which prevents a worker from accessing employment opportunities can affect a person’s self esteem, wellbeing, mental and physical health – and ability to carry on in their job or progress in a career and earn a living.

It is against the law to discriminate for reasons which have nothing to do with a worker’s ability to do their job – seeking legal advice at an early stage is vital to resolving the issue before it takes its toll on health, family and employment.

Duncan Lewis Employment Law Solicitors – How we can help you

Duncan Lewis employment lawyers act on behalf of claimants and respondents in all Employment Tribunal related matters – including matters involving discrimination at work under the Equality Act 2010.

Our employment team can represent all types of employers, both large and small – as well as individual employees and collective employees in matters relating to the Employment Rights Act 1996 and discrimination at work claims.

A Duncan Lewis employment law lawyer can assess a case involving discrimination in the workplace – and help employees bring a claim against an employer under the Equality Act.

Duncan Lewis Employment Law Solicitors – Fees

Duncan Lewis employment law solicitors operate a transparent fee scale – and can offer a range of competitively priced funding options for claimants and respondents:

• No-win-no-fee
• Damage based fee
• Contingency fee
• Fixed fees (for specific tasks)
• Insurance funded cases.

Some cases may be funded with Home Contents Insurance or Contents/Buildings Insurance with additional Employment Protection Cover.

Duncan Lewis believes clients should always know what they will be paying – and will advise on the best funding option at the initial client meeting.

Duncan Lewis Employment Law Solicitors – When to contact us

If you have a problem with employment or discrimination or equal opportunities at work, it is important to take legal advice and find out what your rights are as soon as possible.

Duncan Lewis can offer clear legal advice on employment law at any stage of an employment matter, including advising on discrimination in the workplace at any early stage.

Duncan Lewis also has a successful track record in advising companies and employers on employment matters and disputes.

The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help with an employment claim for discrimination.

Duncan Lewis Employment Law Solicitors – How to contact us

Duncan Lewis has offices nationwide and in most major cities, with more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

For expert legal advice on employment law, discrimination at work claims or equal opportunities matters at work, call Duncan Lewis employment solicitors on 020 7923 4020.