What Is Sexual Discrimination?

What Is Sexual Discrimination? Being treated unfairly because of any protected characteristic is illegal and you can speak to an expert sexual discrimination lawyer about your case to decide how you should proceed.

Sexual discrimination is when you’re treated differently or unfairly because of your sex, and it can be difficult to know what to do.

It doesn’t just need to be direct sexual discrimination for it to affect you, either.

But importantly, discrimination where you are treated unfairly because of your gender is illegal, and you can take legal action if it occurs anywhere.

Please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

Who Is Protected Under Sexual Discrimination Laws?

Short answer – everyone.

Under the Equality Act 2010, there a several characteristics and beliefs that are protected under UK law, including:

Being treated unfairly because of any protected characteristic is illegal and you can speak to an expert sex discrimination lawyer about your case to decide how you should proceed.

Sexual discrimination can be a one-off act or it can be one of many acts, the relevant factor is that the discrimination occurred, no matter whether it was only once or if it was a pattern of behaviour and treatment.

Sex discrimination can occur in many settings, including in education, social housing, local government, the NHS, prisons, and the service industries of banking, transportation, and in entertainment venues. Essentially it doesn’t just have to be in the workplace.

Two direct and indirect manifestations of sexism are victimisation and harassment.

And contrary to popular belief, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not always purposeful. Discrimination against you based on your sex is still possible, even when it isn’t intentional and even when the offender isn’t even aware of it.

Direct Sexual Discrimination

Direct sexual discrimination occurs when you’re treated unfavourably because of your sex, whatever the circumstances.

It might be that you’re overlooked for a promotion over a less experienced or qualified colleague because of your sex, for example.

Indirect Sexual Discrimination

Indirect sexual discrimination is where policies and procedures exclude you because of your sex.

This isn’t directed specifically at you but it might mean that you’re not afforded the same opportunities and rules that other people of a different sex are, with that being the defining factor in the policy.

When Is Sexual Discrimination Lawful?

Never!

By its own definition, sexual discrimination is treating a person unfairly purely because of their sex, which is illegal in the UK and employees (and the wider public) are protected by the Equality Act 2010.

How To Make A Sexual Discrimination Claim

If sexual discrimination has taken place in the workplace, there are specific aspects of employment law that protect you against it.

This means that you can raise a grievance against your employer and even take the case to an employment tribunal, particularly if it results in a constructive dismissal situation.

A grievance procedure is a formal process where an employee can raise an issue or complaint to their employer.

There are several scenarios whereby you might want to raise a grievance, including:

If you’ve raised a grievance informally but feel it hasn’t had the desired effect
If there’s an issue you don’t want to be dealt with informally and want a formal process to determine the outcome
If it’s a serious issue such as non-payment, whistleblowing, or harassment

It generally follows the same process each time as there’s a minimum standard set out by Acas, although some employers will have their own grievance process which they must make available to you.

This can be useful if you feel that you’ve been a victim of sex discrimination in the workplace, whatever the situation.

Sexual Discrimination Solicitors Near Me

At Solicitors Near Me, we’re here to help.

We know that dealing with sexual discrimination can be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to find the right solicitor to help you with your case.

That’s where Solicitors Near Me come in.

We connect you with expert employment discrimination solicitors near you for FREE so that you can get the help and advice you need.

You’re under no obligation to press ahead with the solicitor we connect you with and until you decide to proceed, you won’t pay a penny.

Find A Sexual Discrimination Solicitor Now

To be connected to a specialist sexual discrimination solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.