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In the United Kingdom, residents including those in Glasgow are protected by law from discrimination in the workplace under the Equality Act 2010. Workplace discrimination manifests in different forms including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Act stipulates that you should not be discriminated against from recruitment, during employment, or when being dismissed.
You may need a lawyer if you believe you have been unjustly treated because of any protected characteristics. Some of the common situations include being passed over for promotion because of your gender, facing harassment at work due to your sexual orientation, getting unequal pay because of your race, or if you are unjustly terminated while pregnant or during maternity leave. A lawyer can provide guidance through these legal complexities, represent your best interests, and help pursue any claims for compensation you might wish to make.
The main law that is relevant for job discrimination in Glasgow is the Equality Act 2010, which encompasses all workplace discrimination. Firstly, it prohibits direct discrimination, where someone is treated less favourably due to a protected characteristic. Secondly, it covers indirect discrimination, where a condition or requirement is put in place that disproportionately impacts people with a certain characteristic. It also encompasses harassment and victimisation related to any of these characteristics.
The Equality Act identifies nine protected characteristics. They include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
No, you cannot be legally fired for filing a complaint related to job discrimination. This would be considered retaliation and it is illegal under the Equality Act 2010.
If you witness job discrimination, you should report it to your human resources department or your manager. You are also encouraged to support your colleague if they decide to file a complaint.
Job discrimination can be difficult to prove. It often requires gathering and presenting evidence such as emails, testimonials, or demonstrable disparities in pay or promotions. A lawyer can help guide you through this process.
If your discrimination case is successful, you may get remedies that include reinstatement, compensation for lost earnings, damages for hurt feelings, and changes in the employer's practices or policies.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an important organisation which provides information and enforces equality legislation. Similarly, Citizens Advice Scotland provides advice on employment rights including discrimination laws. ACAS also offers advice, training, and conciliation in relation to employment disputes.
If you believe you've been a victim of job discrimination, it's important to document all relevant incidents and talk to a legal professional or employee rights advocate as soon as possible. The former can help you understand your rights and guide you through the necessary processes, including identifying deadlines for making claims to Employment Tribunals. You should also consider raising the issue internally within your organisation, if possible.
