Spotting the Signs of Discrimination in the Workplace

Discrimination at work is often subtle and difficult to pick up on. This article will explore the common signs of workplace discrimination to enable you to recognise when discrimination might be happening to you or a colleague and learn how to take action against it.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination at work is defined by ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) as mistreating an individual due to one or more of the following characteristics:

• Sex

• Disability

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sexual orientation

• Gender reassignment

• Pregnancy or maternity leave

• Marriage or civil Partnership

The characteristics listed above are protected by employment law and the Equality Act 2010, meaning that discrimination based on any of these factors is illegal. 

Signs of Discrimination

Biased Language or Stereotyping

Making discriminatory or offensive comments, even if someone claims they are made in good humour, is a more subtle form of discrimination. Casual stereotypes and discriminatory language can lead to abuse and systemic discrimination.

Unequal Pay

Fulfilling the same role with equal responsibility but unequal pay can be an indication of discrimination. To find out whether your pay is equal, you could try asking colleagues with the same job role for their salary to determine whether it varies amongst people of different ages, sexes or otherwise.

Unfair Dismissal

Employers must provide employees with a satisfactory reason for being dismissed. If you believe the reason given is discriminatory or unrelated to your performance, your dismissal could be deemed unfair and in violation of employment law.

Unequal Treatment or Opportunities

Promotions or rewards at work should be based on fair and measurable factors. If you are often treated unfairly or overlooked for opportunities that you deserve, discrimination could be the cause.

Lack of Diversity or Inclusion

A lack of diversity within the workplace can be an indicator of systemic discrimination. Take a look at the teams around you and the diversity of leadership. Do you think teams are inclusive and treat all employees equally? If you feel underrepresented at work, company hiring and procedures may prevent people with protected characteristics from advancing.

What To Do If You Suspect Discrimination at Work?

If you suspect discrimination at your workplace, there are several ways you can call it out. If you feel comfortable speaking to the discriminatory individual directly, you can raise the grievance with them and attempt to resolve the issue informally.

Alternatively, you can ask an independent mediator to step in. This could be a union member or an employment solicitor. The mediator can attempt to assess the situation for discrimination and address the situation with the discriminatory individual.

Finally, if the matter cannot be settled or you seek compensation, a claim can be made to an employment tribunal or court.

Employment Solicitors

At PJE Solicitors, our employment solicitors are experts in employment law advice and intervention. Whether you require advice about a potential workplace discrimination case or seek mediation or court representation, our team of experienced employment solicitors is here to help. 

For more employment law advice in Cardiff and Pontypridd, get in touch today.