Discrimination in the Workplace
Challenge of Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace
The UK saw nearly four times as many sex discrimination claims in 2015/16 as the previous year*. There were almost 20 times as many age discrimination claims in the same time period. This makes for a real issue that requires real solutions to fight discrimination in the workplace in the UK**.
According to the UK Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of discrimination in the workplace outlines four main categories:
- Direct Discrimination: Deliberately treating someone unfavourably
- Indirect Discrimination: Rules or policies that put someone at a disadvantage
- Harassment: Unwanted behaviour that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment
- Victimisation: Someone being punished because they’ve spoken out about discrimination or harassment
The last two define the leading causes of discrimination in the workplace. Employees often do not speak out because they’re afraid of being punished or stigmatised. At a foundational level, employees need to be confident in their organisation’s “zero tolerance” policy. This is encouraged by offering a safe means to report discrimination in the workplace without fear of retaliation.
See How Harassment & Discrimination Training Can Help
*Ministry of Justice | Discrimination claims in Employment Tribunals: the Scottish perspective
**Gov.uk | Discrimination: Your rights