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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.

A Lever for Change: Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

First Published: 01 Jul 2010

In the UK, international human rights conventions, such as CEDAW and its supplementary treaty, the Optional Protocol, can seem far removed from the daily realities of women’s and girls’ lives, especially as we have a range of domestic measures in place to promote and enforce equality between women and men. However, as women’s rights advocates in other countries have already shown, international conventions like CEDAW can offer very useful and practical tools for challenging discrimination against women and gender inequality.

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 welcomes UN focus on access to justice and social security reform

Published: 29 Jun 2016

Reforms to the legal aid system, the introduction of employment tribunal fees and changes to the social security system have all been highlighted as major human rights concern

Reporting hate crime

Last updated: 19 Jun 2017

What is a hate crime and how can you report it? It covers hate crimes related to race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

Not just another statistic - Life in Wales for people with mental health conditions, Gypsy Travellers, transgender people and asylum seekers and refugees

First Published: 01 Nov 2010

This publication explores the life experiences of Gypsy Travellers, asylum seekers, refugees, transgender people and people with a mental health condition to discover how they encounter more negative attitudes, prejudice and isolation than others living in Wales.

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.

Commission comments on latest gender pay gap report

Published: 23 Aug 2016

Commission comments on Women and Equalities Committee Report

Published: 31 Aug 2016

Deputy Chair Caroline Waters comments on the Government Women and Equalities Committee recommendations to improve access to justice

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.

Investigation into Met police reveals significant weaknesses in handling discrimination

Published: 08 Sep 2016

The Equality and Human Rights Commission's inquiry into the Metropolitan Police Service reveals significant weaknesses in handling discrimination complaints from its own officers and staff.

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

Discriminatory and unlawful dress codes for women at work 'simply wrong'

Published: 25 Jan 2017

Commission responds to the dress codes for women at work report from the Petitions and Women and Equality Committees.

Sexist dress codes at work: what you can do

Last updated: 25 Nov 2019

Guidance on dress codes at work and how to avoid sex discrimination.

High heels and workplace dress codes, Westminster Hall debate, House of Commons

Last updated: 03 Mar 2017

Read about the Commission's high heels and workplace dress codes briefing for Westminster Hall debate, House of Commons.

Muirfield golf club vote 'right decision for women and Scotland'

Published: 14 Mar 2017

Muirfield golf club has voted to allow female members to join the club.

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.