Global search

Dealing with discrimination in employment

Last updated: 17 Feb 2020

We explain the choices and options you have available to you if you feel you are being discriminated against using examples and further sources of advice.

How to challenge discrimination at work

Last updated: 19 May 2021

We explain the choices and options you have available to you if you feel you are being discriminated against using examples and further sources of advice.

How to monitor your complaint

Last updated: 18 Feb 2020

Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employee is not victimised as a result of raising a complaint. We explain how to monitor the outcome of a complaint.

Gathering evidence for your complaint

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

Before you can decide if you have a valid discrimination claim, you need to gather some information from your employer.

Key points about discrimination cases at work

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

Key points are: where claims are brought, time limits for bringing a claim, the standard and burden of proof and what the Employment Tribunal can order your employer to do.

More information about bringing an employment tribunal case

Last updated: 19 Feb 2020

You can find out more about how to bring an Employment Tribunal case against your employer from the Employment Tribunal itself.

Dealing with discrimination as an employer

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

Focusing on the equality law we provide good practice tips for avoiding and dealing with claims about discrimination at work and how to deal with a complaint from a worker.

If a worker complains to you

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

If a worker complains to you, you have two ways of dealing with the situation.

Monitoring the outcome of unlawful discrimination

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

As employers you have a responsibility to ensure that your employees are not victimised as a result of raising a complaint.

Responding to questions of discrimination in the workplace

Last updated: 19 Feb 2019

Workers who think they that they may have experienced unlawful discrimination should seek relevant information from you before issuing a formal claim.

Key points about discrimination cases in a work situation

Last updated: 19 Feb 2020

Key points are: where claims are brought, time limits for bringing a claim, the standard and burden of proof and what the Employment Tribunal can order your employer to do.

Briefing paper 4: Equality groups; perceptions and experience of crime Analysis of the British Crime Survey 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10

First Published: 09 Jun 2014

This briefing uses British Crime Survey (BCS) data to understand the different equality groups expectations about being insulted and their experience of intimidation, threats, violence and crime.

Commission in Scotland raises identity based bullying in Scottish schools with UN

Published: 04 Aug 2016

In evidence given to the UN Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Equality an Human Rights Commission in Scotland is calling for the Scottish Government to start reporting on identity based bullying in all Scottish schools.

Understanding the Legal Definitions of Discrimination and Unlawful Behaviour in the Equality Act 2010: Guidance for Small Business

First Published: 22 Mar 2013

This guide gives a brief overview of the legal definitions and types of discrimination and unlawful behaviour set out in the Equality Act 2010.

Scotland’s equality body calls for coordinated leadership to tackle hate crime

Published: 23 Sep 2016

The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland has welcomed the report from the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime, Prejudice and Community Cohesion, which calls for a multi-agency approach to stamp out hate crime in Scotland. 

Equality Commission welcomes improvement in social attitudes in Scotland

Published: 30 Sep 2016

The role and experience of inspectorates, regulators and complaints-handling bodies in promoting human rights standards in public services

First Published: 01 Sep 2009

This guide outlines the role and experience of inspectorates, regulators and complaints-handling bodies in promoting human rights standards in public services.

Research report 56 - Processes of prejudice: Theory, evidence and intervention

First Published: 14 May 2010

This report reviews current knowledge about prejudice, focussing on protected characteristics of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Research Report 64: Prevention and response to identity-based bullying among local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales

First Published: 01 Dec 2010

This report examines identity-based bullying of young people and the preventative and responsive strategies employed by local authorities across Britain.

Response to Scottish Parliament Committee report into prejudice based bullying

Published: 06 Jul 2017

Our response to the findings of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee report into prejudice-based bullying and harassment of children and young people in schools.