Discrimination at work can be a difficult and distressing situation to deal with. It can take many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability. In the UK, it is against the law for employers to discriminate against employees on any of these grounds. If you believe you are being discriminated against at work, there are steps you can take to address the situation.
First and foremost, it is important to document the discriminatory behaviour. Keep a record of the incidents, including the date, time, and details of what happened. This will be important if you decide to take legal action or make a complaint to your employer.
When raising an issue or making a complaint to your employer, it is important to be specific and provide as much detail as possible. This will help your employer to understand the situation and take appropriate action. You should also be prepared to provide evidence of the discriminatory behaviour, such as the record of incidents you have kept.
If your employer does not take appropriate action to address the discrimination, or if you are not comfortable making a complaint to your employer, you can contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for advice and assistance. The EHRC is a government agency that works to promote and protect the rights of individuals in the UK.
If you are unable to resolve the issue through discussions with your employer, you can also make a complaint to an employment tribunal. To do this, you will need to fill out a claim form, which can be obtained from your local employment tribunal office. You must submit the claim form within three months of the incident you are complaining about. It is important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This could include any documents, emails, or witnesses who can support your account of what happened. You should also be prepared to attend a hearing at the employment tribunal, where your case will be heard by a judge.
It is important to remember that discrimination is illegal and you have the right to work in an environment that is free from discrimination.