The Equality Act 2010 prevents discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation. It specifically prohibits victimisation and harassment as well as other forms of such discrimination in employment and vocational training.
The phrase 'sexual orientation' covers preference for the opposite sex in addition to homosexual preference. It covers gay men, lesbians, heterosexual people and bisexual people.
Types of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
Direct discrimination occurs where a person is treated less favourably than another on grounds on sexual orientation and it is always unlawful.Indirect discrimination occurs where a provision, criterion or practice which is applied generally puts persons of a particular sexual orientation at a disadvantage and is unlawful if it is not a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Who is Protected?
The Regulations protect employees, contract workers, office-holders, barristers and advocates, partnerships, civil servants and members of the armed forces.The Equality Act protects persons of the same sex, persons of the opposite sex, or persons of either sex. In addition to prohibiting discrimination by employers, they also prohibit discrimination by trade organisations, bodies conferring professional and trade qualifications, training providers, employment agencies and further and higher education institutions.
If you think you have been discriminated against on the basis of your sexual orientation, please contact Ashley Hunt, Vaishali Thakerar, Carrie-Ann Randall on 0116 212 1000 or complete the form on the right. Lawson-West offer a free initial consultation so it won't cost you a penny to find out if you have a claim.
Lawson-West will make sure that your discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is funded on the most appropriate basis and that will often be on a No Win No Fee basis (subject to assessment). This means that Lawson-West have a vested interest in ensuring your discrimination claim is successful.
