Protecting Employees & Businesses from Workplace Discrimination, Harassment & Inequality
Understanding Workplace Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace is not just unethical—it is illegal. Employees are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits unfair treatment based on specific protected characteristics. Employers have a legal duty to create an inclusive, diverse, and respectful work environment, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equally.
At Sahin Legal Consultancy, we provide comprehensive legal support to employees facing workplace discrimination and guidance to businesses on compliance, risk management, and handling discrimination complaints. Whether you have experienced unlawful workplace treatment or you are an employer seeking to prevent discrimination claims, we offer tailored legal solutions to protect your rights and reputation.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate based on:
✔ Age
✔ Disability
✔ Gender Reassignment
✔ Marriage & Civil Partnership
✔ Pregnancy & Maternity
✔ Race (Ethnicity, Nationality, or Skin Colour)
✔ Religion or Belief
✔ Sex (Gender-Based Discrimination)
✔ Sexual Orientation
Discrimination can occur in recruitment, promotions, pay, dismissals, workplace culture, or day-to-day interactions. Employers who fail to address discrimination risk legal claims, reputational damage, and financial penalties.
📌 Example:
A qualified female employee is repeatedly overlooked for promotions in favour of less-experienced male colleagues. If gender was a factor in the decision-making process, this could constitute unlawful sex discrimination.
Types of Workplace Discrimination
1️⃣ Direct Discrimination
Occurs when an individual is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
📌 Example:
An employer refuses to hire a candidate because they are over 50 years old. This is a clear case of age discrimination.
2️⃣ Indirect Discrimination
Occurs when a company policy or practice applies to all employees but disadvantages a specific group.
📌 Example:
A workplace requires all employees to work Saturdays, which disadvantages employees of certain religious backgrounds who observe the Sabbath. If the requirement is not justifiable, this may be indirect religious discrimination.
3️⃣ Harassment
Unwanted behaviour that creates a hostile, degrading, or offensive work environment. Harassment can be verbal, physical, or written.
📌 Example:
An employee faces repeated racist jokes from colleagues, making them uncomfortable at work. If the employer fails to act, this could be racial harassment.
4️⃣ Victimization
Occurs when an employee is punished or mistreated for reporting discrimination or supporting a colleague’s complaint.
📌 Example:
A worker files a discrimination complaint. Shortly after, they are denied a pay raise or promotion as retaliation—this is victimization.
Who We Assist
✔ Employees Facing Workplace Discrimination – Supporting those who have been treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic.
✔ Job Applicants – Assisting individuals who have been unfairly rejected for a role based on discriminatory reasons.
✔ Senior Executives & Directors – Advising professionals facing boardroom discrimination, unfair dismissal, or workplace exclusion.
✔ Whistleblowers & Victims of Retaliation – Protecting those who report workplace discrimination or unethical practices.
✔ Employers & HR Teams – Helping businesses implement anti-discrimination policies, investigate complaints, and handle claims properly.
🔹 Legal Support for Discrimination Cases Provided by an RFL
As a Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL), I provide legal advice, negotiation support, and pre-litigation assistance for employees and employers dealing with workplace discrimination. While certain legal actions, such as filing employment tribunal claims, require a UK-regulated solicitor, I help clients understand their rights, prepare evidence, and explore alternative dispute resolution options before escalating the case.
1️⃣ Advising Employees Facing Discrimination
✔ Assessing whether an employer’s actions constitute unlawful discrimination.
✔ Advising employees on how to document incidents and file a grievance.
✔ Preparing employees for negotiations, mediation, or settlement discussions.
📌 Example:
An employee faces unfair performance reviews due to their disability. I guide them on how to raise a formal grievance and negotiate reasonable adjustments.
2️⃣ Helping Employers Manage Workplace Discrimination Risks
✔ Drafting and implementing anti-discrimination workplace policies.
✔ Advising on how to handle discrimination complaints and internal investigations.
✔ Training HR teams on compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
📌 Example:
An employer wants to prevent discrimination lawsuits. I assist in creating clear workplace policies and discrimination training programs.
3️⃣ Workplace Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
✔ Mediating workplace disputes between employees and management.
✔ Negotiating settlement agreements and compensation for discrimination claims.
✔ Assisting in pre-litigation dispute resolution to avoid formal legal action.
📌 Example:
A senior employee faces racial discrimination from a manager but prefers an out-of-court settlement. I facilitate mediation sessions, securing an amicable resolution.
🔹 Expanding Legal Support Through a Law Firm Collaboration (Reserved Legal Services)
While I provide comprehensive legal support for discrimination cases, certain legal actions require a UK-regulated solicitor or barrister. Through collaboration with a UK law firm, we ensure clients receive full legal representation in employment tribunals and courts.
1️⃣ Filing an Employment Tribunal Claim for Discrimination (Reserved Legal Service)
✔ Preparing and filing formal discrimination claims in an Employment Tribunal.
✔ Representing clients in hearings, cross-examinations, and legal arguments.
✔ Seeking compensation for financial loss, emotional distress, and career damage.
📌 Example:
An employee is wrongfully dismissed due to their pregnancy. The law firm files an employment tribunal claim, pursuing compensation.
2️⃣ Defending Employers in Discrimination Claims (Reserved Legal Service)
✔ Representing businesses facing employment tribunal claims for discrimination.
✔ Handling legal defenses for unfair dismissal, harassment, or victimization allegations.
✔ Assisting with settlement negotiations and dispute resolution strategies.
📌 Example:
A company is accused of gender discrimination in promotions. The law firm represents the business in court.
Why Choose Sahin Legal Consultancy for Workplace Discrimination Support?
✔ Expert Pre-Litigation Support & Mediation – Assisting employees and employers in resolving discrimination issues before escalation.
✔ Comprehensive Workplace Policy & Compliance Advisory – Helping businesses avoid legal risks and create an inclusive work environment.
✔ Strategic Dispute Resolution & Settlement Negotiation – Securing fair outcomes for employees and companies.
✔ Collaboration with UK Law Firms for Tribunal Representation – Providing full legal support where required.
✔ Tailored Legal Solutions for Employees & Employers – Customizing discrimination law strategies based on each unique case.
📩 Experiencing workplace discrimination? Need legal guidance on employer obligations? Contact Sahin Legal Consultancy today for expert legal support on discrimination law.
