Discrimination.

Discrimination is the act of making unjustified distinctions between human beings, based on categories/groups they’re perceived to belong too.

Some examples of the most common characteristics that people are discriminated against include:

• Race
• Age
• Disability
• Religion/belief
• Sexual orientation

Discrimination falls into four different categories. These categories are:

1. Direct Discrimination – where somebody has been treated differently or worse than another person for underlying reasons, e.g. age or race.

2. Indirect Discrimination – less obvious form of discrimination which is usually unintentional. For example, someone may enforce a rule that puts certain groups at a disadvantage, e.g. a job height requirement can disadvantage women.

3. Harassment – Conveying negative behaviour towards someone can be connected to the victim’s age, gender etc.

4. Victimisation – Victimisation is where somebody becomes a victim of harmful behaviour because they have done (or because it’s suspected that they have done or may do) something in good faith. 

An example of discrimination is a case where a lady faced discrimination because of a physical disability.

A policewoman who is not disabled won a claim against the police force for direct disability discrimination. Upon joining the force, Lisa Coffey was given a medical examination that revealed that she had suffered hearing loss. However, she was able to pass the force’s practical hearing test, thus permitting her to work without requiring any adjustments.

Two years later, Coffey applied for a transfer to another police force and was once again required to undergo a medical test. This test results were identical to the first; however, her application was refused because her hearing loss was likely to worsen in the future.

If you think you have a discrimination case, contact our solicitors on 020 3007 5500.

Positive discrimination is illegal in the UK.

For example, if an employer hired someone because they have a relevant protected characteristic, rather than the best candidate. In this case, the employer would have conducted discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

For a workplace discrimination claim, the claim must be made within three months less one day from the day the act(s) occurred.

For other discrimination claims (unrelated to employment), you will have six months less one day from the date of the incident.

Once a claim has been made, the time-frame for a discrimination case depends on several factors such as the severity and type of discrimination faced, for example, direct discrimination or indirect discrimination.

When it comes to legal costs, no two discrimination cases are the same. Therefore, it’s difficult to give an overall estimate of the overall cost of your case, without arranging an initial consultation.

During your initial consultation, our solicitors will go through your case’s details, provide an outline of your matter from a legal perspective, advise you on your options, and give you a fee estimate and timelines for your discrimination case.

To get in touch with our discrimination solicitors in regards to a consultation, contact us on 020 3007 5500.

We are currently unable to offer legal aid in any capacity as we lack the necessary legal aid certificate. We also don’t offer pro bono property law work at present.