Compensation claims for discrimination cases
UK law provides you with protection against discrimination at work. Protection from discrimination is wide-ranging. It covers all people in the workplace, including those who are supplied via an agency.
UK discrimination law protects you if you have been treated badly at work because of an aspect of your identity. The law does not protect everyone in all circumstances. It protects people who have what is known as a “protected characteristic” – if they are subject to particular types of behaviour in the workplace.
UK law protects people who are treated badly at work because of one, or more, of the following characteristics:
The law says that there are four different types of behaviour that would breach UK employment law.
Discrimination claims for the four different types of discrimination – direct, indirect, harassment and victimisation – can be brought alongside each other. Quite often, an employee or worker can be subject to more than one type of discrimination. In addition, if you are disabled, you are also protected from discrimination arising from your disability. Compensation for a successful discrimination claim can often be substantial because there is no compensation cap, unlike unfair dismissal.
Many people feel unable to take action if they have been the victim of discrimination at work. They are frightened of the consequences – for example, that they might lose their job if they complain or that they might not be believed by their line manager or HR department, or by their colleagues. Other people might be concerned that complaining is disloyal or could upset their co-workers.
However, the law provides you with strong protection if you have been discriminated against.
If you are concerned that you are being discriminated against at work, speaking to a specialist employment law solicitor might help you to feel more confident about whether your rights are being breached and, if so, whether you have a strong basis to make a claim.
Taking action when you are concerned that you are being discriminated at work might result in:
No – you are able to bring a claim for discrimination regardless of how long you have worked somewhere.
Protection from discrimination is known as a “day-one right”. In fact, discrimination protection also applies to the recruitment process.
There is no upper limit on the amount of compensation for financial loss that can be awarded for a discrimination claim. This means that the damages awarded for a successful claim could be quite high, depending on the circumstance. Tribunals will also award compensation for injury to feelings to reflect the degree of emotional distress caused by the discrimination.
Calculating compensation for discrimination is not straightforward and involves weighing up the overall impact that it has had on you.
Compensation can be awarded on a number of bases, including:
Navya Shekhar, who is Head of Employment at Truth Legal, has extensive experience advising people in respect of their discrimination claims:
Navya advises that:
“If you believe that you might have a discrimination claim, it is important to speak to a qualified solicitor, who can advise you.
A solicitor with expertise in this area will be able to identify whether you have a potential discrimination claim, the strength of the claim, and the type of claim, or claims, that you might be able to bring.
In addition, a solicitor will be able to guide you through a period that is potentially emotional, stressful and difficult, and ensure that you are well-represented and able to fight your corner when you might feel least able to defend yourself.”
You might be concerned about how you will be able to fund your discrimination claim.
Truth Legal can discuss your options with you.
One option is to agree a “no win, no fee agreement” with Truth Legal. We will be able to talk to you about the merits of your claim early on. We will also be able to explain the basis on which we can advise you, so you will have a clear understanding about your legal costs.
Another option is that you may have legal expenses insurance through you home insurance or other policy that covers employment tribunal claims.
We can sometimes offer fixed fee work. This means that we will agree a price to get you to a particular point in your claim. Additional work can always be undertaken. Fixed fees allow clients to know precisely where they are up to.
Another option is that you may have legal expenses insurance, perhaps even without realising it. Home insurance policies, and other kinds of insurance policy, may sometimes include legal expenses cover. Making an employment tribunal claim is usually included in this cover, meaning that your insurer may fund your legal costs. Read our guide on legal expenses insurance to find out more.
Like most law firms, we can also accept instructions, charging you an hourly rate. We are proud to offer lower rates for such work. We will estimate the costs to get to you to particular points in your claim.
We have partnered with CrowdJustice, a leading crowdfunding platform specifically designed to help clients get access to funding for their case. Find 0ut more about Crowdfunding for legal cases.
If you would like more information on claiming discrimination compensation, or you wish to discuss your situation, contact us today. If you require an in-depth consultation, we offer a detailed 2 hour consultation, which costs £280 incl. vat. There is no obligation to proceed further. You can book and pay for a consultation with an employment expert here.
Let us help you to claim the compensation you deserve.
Truth Legal was founded on the idea of putting ethics at the centre of legal services.
Ethical working is at our core: in treating people fairly, being open and honest, and taking social responsibility. We sponsor a large section of woodland near Harrogate, planting a tree for every one of the clients we represent.
We believe a good lawyer shouldn’t just offer technical expertise, but a real understanding of what you’re going through and how best to help you.
Above all, our team are dedicated to their clients – whether that is guiding them through legal complexities, securing compensation, or simply fighting for what’s right.
We won’t blind you with jargon – we give advice clearly. And when technical terms can’t be avoided we explain them in full.
In contrast to some firms, we don’t overload our lawyers with cases. Our team provide clients with a more personal service, meaning we can dedicate the proper time to your matter.
Just read our client reviews to see what a difference this can make.
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