Discrimination claims

Discrimination can sadly happen in almost any situation.

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.

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.