Workplace Discrimination Lawyers
Glasgow, Scotland
Discrimination at work can have a serious impact on your career, wellbeing and financial security. Whether you are an employee experiencing unfair treatment or an employer dealing with a workplace discrimination issue, obtaining legal advice early can help protect your position. Contact our Glasgow employment lawyers today on 0141 221 1919 or complete our online contact form for expert advice.
Contact our Glasgow employment lawyers today on 0141 221 1919 or complete our online contact form for expert advice.
Specialist Workplace Discrimination Solicitors in Glasgow
Miller Samuel Hill Brown are leading Scottish employment lawyers accredited in discrimination law by the Law Society of Scotland. Our solicitors advise employees and employers across Glasgow and throughout Scotland on all aspects of workplace discrimination and Equality Act claims.
We provide practical, straightforward legal advice on workplace disputes, Employment Tribunal claims, internal grievances, disciplinary issues and discrimination policies.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
The protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Discrimination can arise during recruitment, promotion decisions, disciplinary procedures, redundancy processes, dismissal or day-to-day treatment within the workplace.
Types of Workplace Discrimination
Direct Discrimination
Direct discrimination occurs where someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic.
For example, refusing to recruit a candidate because of their race or dismissing an employee due to pregnancy could amount to unlawful discrimination.
Indirect Discrimination
Indirect discrimination happens where a workplace policy, rule or practice applies to everyone but places certain employees at a disadvantage because of a protected characteristic.
For example, requiring all staff to work full-time hours may disproportionately affect women with childcare responsibilities.
Employers must show that any such requirement is objectively justified.
Harassment in the Workplace
Harassment is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
Examples of workplace harassment may include:
- Offensive comments or jokes
- Bullying linked to race, sex or disability
- Inappropriate messages or conduct
- Repeated unwanted behaviour
Employees are protected from harassment by colleagues, managers, clients and customers in certain circumstances.
Victimisation Claims
Victimisation occurs where someone suffers unfavourable treatment because they:
- Raised a discrimination complaint
- Supported another employee’s complaint
- Gave evidence in relation to discrimination proceedings
Employees should not be punished for asserting their legal rights under the Equality Act 2010.
Discrimination by Association and Perception
An employee does not need to personally possess a protected characteristic to be protected by discrimination law.
Discrimination by Association
This occurs where someone is treated unfairly because of their connection to another person with a protected characteristic.
For example, treating an employee unfairly because they care for a disabled child may amount to disability discrimination by association.
Discrimination by Perception
This applies where an employer believes an employee has a protected characteristic and treats them less favourably because of that belief, even if the perception is incorrect.
For example, assumptions based on a person’s appearance, name or background could potentially lead to unlawful discrimination claims.
Employer Liability for Workplace Discrimination
Employers can be held legally responsible for discriminatory acts carried out by employees during the course of employment.
This is known as vicarious liability.
Even where management had no direct involvement, a business may still face liability unless it can demonstrate that reasonable steps were taken to prevent discrimination in the workplace.
Reasonable steps may include:
- Equality and diversity training
- Anti-harassment policies
- Clear reporting procedures
- Prompt investigation of complaints
Time Limits for Employment Tribunal Claims
Discrimination claims in the Employment Tribunal are subject to strict time limits.
In most cases, a claim must be started within three months less one day from the date of the discriminatory act or the last incident in a series of events.
Early legal advice is strongly recommended as missing the time limit may prevent a claim from proceeding.
Advice for Employees Facing Discrimination at Work
If you believe you have experienced workplace discrimination, our employment lawyers can advise you on:
- Raising a workplace grievance
- Settlement agreements
- Employment Tribunal claims
- Harassment and bullying complaints
- Constructive dismissal claims
- Compensation for financial loss and injury to feelings
We will assess your situation carefully and provide clear advice on your legal options.
Advice for Employers
Employers must take discrimination complaints seriously and respond appropriately.
Our solicitors assist businesses with:
- Workplace investigations
- Drafting equality policies
- Staff training
- Defending Employment Tribunal claims
- Reducing legal and reputational risk
We work closely with employers across Scotland to help create fair and legally compliant workplaces.
Why Choose Our Glasgow Employment Lawyers?
Our employment law team is recognised across Scotland for its experience in workplace discrimination matters.
Clients choose us for:
We understand the sensitive nature of discrimination disputes and work to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as workplace discrimination?
Unfair treatment linked to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
How long do I have to make a discrimination claim?
Usually three months less one day from the discriminatory act.
Can I claim compensation for discrimination?
Yes. Compensation may include financial losses and injury to feelings.
Can employers be liable for employee behaviour?
Yes. Employers may be responsible for discriminatory acts by staff.
Do I need a solicitor for a discrimination claim?
Legal advice can strengthen your position and protect your rights.
Contact our Workplace Discrimination Lawyers in Glasgow
If you require advice about workplace discrimination, harassment or Equality Act claims, our expert employment solicitors are here to help.
Call 0141 221 1919 today or complete our online contact form to speak with a workplace discrimination lawyer in Glasgow.
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