Discrimination claims can be complex and must be managed carefully to avoid escalation. We can advise you on the best way to handle allegations and take steps to protect you from lengthy legal difficulties.
We also provide guidance on putting systems in place to discharge your liability to protect employees from discrimination from other employees and draft handbooks and policy documents for your business.
At Ashtons HR Consulting, we provide strong representation and expert advice for employers facing discrimination claims in the workplace. We understand how important it is to handle this type of claim promptly and effectively to avoid disruption and damage to your business and reputation.
Our advice will be pragmatic, and we always aim to resolve matters without delay, avoiding tribunals wherever possible. We deal with a full range of discrimination claims and can intervene on your behalf at any stage.
For more information on our services, see our Employment Law for Employers page.
Contact our Discrimination Claims Solicitors Today
For discrimination claims advice for employers, please contact our discrimination claims solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds.
When you work with us, we can provide HR consultancy and legal support, depending on your needs.
Discrimination Claims Service for Employers
Race discrimination
Discrimination at work claims can arise either because an employer has treated someone differently due to a protected characteristic such as race or gender or when fellow employees behave in a way that is intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive.
If you are dealing with a race discrimination claim, we can advise you and explore the options for resolving matters without delay. Once workplace discrimination solicitors are involved, a solution can often be found relatively quickly.
Gender discrimination
We have extensive experience in handling workplace gender discrimination claims, including allegations of indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation. If you have been accused of dealing less favourably with an employee based on gender, we can provide the defence you need.
Age discrimination
We provide advice on age discrimination claims and guidance to ensure that workplace policies and procedures are not discriminatory. If you have an employee alleging age discrimination, we can step in to find a solution.
Disability discrimination
Disability discrimination at work is often indirect, for example, not making reasonable adjustments to assist someone in carrying out their role or failing to ensure a disabled employee has the same training and promotion opportunities as other employees.
Our team has extensive experience in dealing with disability discrimination claims. If you are dealing with a discrimination claim for compensation, we will ensure you have the most robust possible defence.
Sexual orientation discrimination
Sex discrimination at work can be direct or indirect and may also occur if someone is discriminated against because of their association with someone of a particular sexual orientation. This is a complex area of employment law, and it is important to speak to an expert if you are facing a potential legal claim.
Pregnancy discrimination
Discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy or maternity is unlawful. As an employer, you need to ensure that you understand the rights of individuals who are pregnant or on maternity leave.
We can advise you on the correct procedures to use and represent you if you are facing a pregnancy or maternity discrimination claim.
Religious discrimination
Discrimination based on religion or belief is unlawful, including indirect discrimination and harassment or victimisation carried out by fellow employees. As an employer, you are bound to prevent this from happening and should take steps to deal with any discriminatory behaviour.
We regularly assist with religious discrimination claims, and we can provide you with expert guidance and representation to resolve matters promptly.
Why Choose our Discrimination in the Workplace Solicitors?
Our employment law experts have experience representing employers across a full range of industries. We have a strong understanding of the needs of businesses and an outstanding reputation for our service.
We will take the time to understand your end goals and tailor our advice to achieve the right outcome for you and your organisation.
If you would like to talk to one of our expert workplace discrimination solicitors, contact us today, and we will be pleased to help.
Discrimination Claims Fees for Employers
Our fees for discrimination claims represent excellent value for money. In some cases, we are able to offer fixed fees for discrimination work. Otherwise, charges will be based on our hourly rates. We will always ensure you have an accurate quote before we start work.
If you would like to discuss discrimination claim costs, please feel free to call us, and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discrimination Claims
Are employers liable for employee discrimination?
If an employee discriminates against a fellow employee, as an employer you could be held liable along with the employee. This is known as vicarious liability, and it includes discriminatory behaviour, harassment, and victimisation.
As an employer, you need to take all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination on the basis of ‘protected’ characteristics, as follows:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
The time limit for a discrimination claim against employers is generally three months minus one day from the date of the last act of discrimination included in the claim. We can check that the claim has not breached the limit and that the complainant has valid grounds for their case.
How to deal with discrimination in the workplace as an employer
As an employer, you have a duty to prevent discrimination. You should have comprehensive workplace policies and handbooks clearly setting out what is acceptable and providing a disciplinary process for dealing with discrimination complaints.
Staff and managers must be aware of your rules and trained to avoid discrimination.
You need to ensure that employees know how to make a discrimination complaint and that they have the opportunity to have their voices heard within the workplace.
In some cases, you may reach the point where it is necessary to dismiss an employee. For information on our services relating to dismissal, see our Unfair Dismissal page.
What is the maximum amount of compensation for discrimination?
There is no upper limit for workplace discrimination claim compensation. If an employer is found liable for discrimination, compensation is calculated based on the damage caused to the employee’s feelings.
An employment tribunal will look at the level of hurt or distress an employee has suffered as well as the length of time the discrimination or harassment has lasted and its nature and severity.
Awards will be made in ‘Vento’ bands, named after a sex and race discrimination case.
There are three bands, a lower, middle and upper band, and payments generally fall within one of the bands. Only in the most severe cases would a payment exceed the highest band.
Presidential Guidance on employment tribunal awards for injury to feelings and psychiatric injury is regularly issued, updating the amount paid for each band in line with the Retail Prices Index. As of 24 March 2024, the Vento bands were as follows:
- Lower band: £1,200 to £11,700 (less serious cases)
- Middle band: £11,700 to £35,200
- Upper band: £35,200 to £58,700 (most serious cases)
Only the most exceptional cases are capable of exceeding £58,700.
For information relating to our tribunal services, see our Employment Tribunal Solicitors page.
Contact our Discrimination Claims Solicitors Today
For advice and representation in discrimination claims, please contact our discrimination claims solicitors in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich and Leeds.
When you work with us, we can provide HR consultancy support, as well as legal support, depending on your needs.