Legal advice helpline on Sexual discrimination at work
..................................................................................

Compensation claims following sexual discrimination at work

We are a firm of solicitors that operate in all areas of employment law. We are able to deal with Sex Discrimination Act claims throughout the United Kingdom.

We offer free advice on whether you have a good case, how to start a claim and how much it will be worth. We give clear advice on how we finance your claim which may include no win no fee arrangements in appropriate cases. Call now for "no obligation" advice.

............................................................................................................................

SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT

Under the 1975 Act, it is unlawful to treat people differently on the grounds of their sex or the fact that they are married. The law applies to members of either sex. It covers all aspects of work including job applications, training and promotion but exceptions can be made when gender is a genuine occupational qualification. It would not be against the law, for example, for the post of an attendant in a female lavatory to be open only to women.

The law does not at the moment cover sexual orientation. For example, it has not been unlawful to refuse to employ a man because he was homosexual. However, following a case heard by the European Court, it is now likely that UK law would not be upheld if a case on grounds of sexual orientation was challenged in the European Court. A person who feels they are a victim at work can make a complaint to an employment tribunal but this must be done within three months of the relevant incident.
 

The Equal Pay Act 1970 states that men and women are entitled to the same pay and conditions when doing the same job or one of equal value. The time limit for complaints about unequal pay is six months.
 

Many people, at some stage in their working lives, receive unwanted sexual attention from colleagues. Sexual harassment covers a whole range of things from rude remarks to leering and unwanted physical contact. In law, it illegal under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. Although it happens more often to women, men can be victims too. It is probably best to try at first to sort things out personally. But if the harassment continues, don't be afraid to complain. It is not always easy to prove in court but judges are now prepared to award damages when the victim can show that they have suffered some disadvantage or injury to their feelings from the sexual harassment. Complaints can be brought against both an individual and an employer.
 

What is it direct?
When a person is treated less favourably on account of their sex in relation to recruitment, selection, training, promotion, selection for redundancy etc.
 

What is it indirect?
When an employer imposes a requirement, condition or practice which fewer person's of one sex can fulfil. For example, a requirement to be above a certain height (which fewer women than men could fulfil).
 

Can employers lawfully specify a certain sex?
When there is 'a genuine occupational reason'. For example, for reasons of decency in a single sex establishment such as a boarding school, or for specific purposes such as modelling or acting.
 

Can claims be made to employment tribunals?
Anyone who feels that they have a claim may bring a complaint to an employment tribunal within three months of the act complained of. There are no length of service or age requirements to bring a claim. Individuals do not have to have left employment before making a tribunal claim. There is no upper limit on the amount of compensation a tribunal can award..

............................................................................................................................

If we represent you we guarantee:

You receive 100% of your compensation

We work on a No win No fee basis - win or lose there are no fees

You deal with regulated solicitors from the moment you call

Your claim is completely risk free.

Make an enquiry with us TODAY!

Back to the solicitor home page

............................................................................................................................

           Make an enquiry

Road Accidents

If you have suffered road crash injuries we can help you with our no nonsense claims service. more info

 .......................................................

Accidents in the workplace

If you are one of the thousands of people injured at work each year you should consider making a claim.   more info

  ........................................................

Whiplash injuries

Our specialists team can help you claim compensation and rehabilitate from a whiplash related injury. more info

.........................................................

Trip slip or fall accidents

If you have fallen on the street, in a shop or other public place and suffered personal injury you may be able to claim compensation. more info

..........................................................

Useful legal links

Women & equality - Government advice

Equal Opportunities Commission