Discrimination claims

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Discrimination claims

Discrimination claims

Discrimination can sadly happen in almost any situation.

Your rights around discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from unfair treatment, by making all forms of discrimination unlawful. This includes:

Direct discrimination – where you are treated less favourably than others because of your age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexuality, gender reassignment or other protected characteristic.

Indirect discrimination – any policies or practices by an organisation that place you at an unfair disadvantage because you have a protected characteristic.

Harassment – unwelcome behaviour due to your protected characteristics.

Victimisation – being treated unfairly after reporting discrimination.

If you have experienced any of the above, you may be able to take legal action. This includes bringing a discrimination claim against a private body in the County Court or a judicial review of a decision by a public body.

Types of discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 outlines specific characteristics that are protected from discrimination in a public setting. Examples of these include:

Age – you are made to pay more for a service because of your age.

Disability – you do not have access to the same services as those without a disability.

Gender reassignment – you are prevented from using services that align with your gender identity.

Race – you are not allowed to join a club because of your race.

Religion or belief – a school does not allow their students to wear a hijab.

Sex – you are treated less favourably than someone of the other sex. For example, men having to pay entry into a nightclub when women get in for free.

Sexual orientation – being asked to take a HIV test before you can receive a servic