Discrimination Law – Advice For Businesses And Employers

Discrimination law is designed to ensure equality of opportunity at work.

It can also protect employees’ dignity and ensure that complaints can be raised without fear of reprisal.

Businesses must not discriminate against employees on the basis of sex, gender reassignment, being pregnant or on maternity leave, being married or in a civil partnership or race disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief and age. Discrimination law covers all areas of employment, including job adverts and the recruitment process, conduct during employment, work social events, and job references.

Given the breadth of discrimination law covering employment, and the significant compensation that can be awarded for failing to comply, it is important for employers to take specialist legal advice. Our employment team regularly advisers employers on discrimination issues and can assist in taking practical steps to help avoid breaching discrimination law, such as:

• Providing training to managers and employees on equal opportunities and harassment;
• Advising employers on the obligation to make reasonable adjustments in respect of disabled employees.
• Assisting employers in response to requests for flexible working, shared parental leave, time off for dependents etc; and
• Reviewing policies, contracts and procedures to ensure that they comply with the discrimination laws.

We have a number of guides available including:

• Discrimination and harassment
• Disability discrimination – reasonable adjustments
• Discrimination and Harassment
• Age Discrimination – When It May Be Lawful
• Pregnancy and maternity related discrimination

With offices in Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough, and Leicester we’re right on your doorstep, giving great access to businesses across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, and Warwickshire too.

For further information or to see how we can help contact our Employment Team.