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The Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010 form the backbone of job discrimination law in Sheffield and the wider United Kingdom. These laws safeguard individuals from being discriminated against in employment due to race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. Discrimination can occur in various forms such as unequal pay, unfair dismissal, promotion bias and inability to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
Job discrimination can be difficult to prove as it often hinges on subtle behaviours and patterns rather than overt actions. A lawyer specialising in this field will understand how to draw on case law, compile supporting evidence and construct a persuasive legal argument. They will also be able to advise on whether a claim is likely to succeed and support you through more complex processes such as mediation or tribunal proceedings. In addition, if you are facing retribution for making such a claim, a lawyer can assist in proving unjust treatment.
In Sheffield, as with the rest of the UK, the Equality Act 2010 is the primary law protecting against job discrimination. It identifies nine 'protected characteristics': age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Discrimination against someone because of one or more of these characteristics is illegal, as are certain types of unfair treatment such as harassment or victimisation related to them.
Job discrimination is unequal, less favourable or unfair treatment based on the 'protected characteristics' as defined under the Equality Act 2010. This can occur during recruitment, employment or dismissal.
Retaliation or victimisation for making a discrimination complaint, supporting someone to make a complaint, or giving evidence in relation to a complaint is also unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
Job discrimination claims are generally proven by collecting and presenting evidence of the discriminatory treatment, and showing a pattern or repeated instances of such treatment.
Legal proceedings for job discrimination often involve filing a formal complaint, participating in mediation or negotiation and, if necessary, bringing the case to an employment tribunal.
Yes, if job discrimination is proven, victims can be awarded compensation for loss of earnings, damages for injury to feelings, and possibly aggravated or punitive damages.
The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) and Citizens Advice Sheffield are valuable resources for advice and information about job discrimination. ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) is also useful for general employment issues.
The first step if you believe you have been discriminated against is to speak to a legal professional, ideally one specializing in employment law or discrimination. They can advise on the strengths of your case and next steps, which may include filing a formal complaint with your employer, filing a grievance or making a claim to an employment tribunal. It is important to act quickly as there are strict time limits for making a claim.
