Discrimination

No one deserves to be discriminated against. If you’re experiencing discrimination, it’s not your fault, and you don’t have to face it alone. This page explains what discrimination is, provides examples, and outlines what you can do next.

Discrimination is unacceptable and against our policies [insert link to policies]. Discrimination is also prohibited under the Equality Act 2010.

What is discrimination?

Discrimination is unfair treatment or a denial of rights based on one or more of the following protected characteristics: sex, age, race/nationality, gender identity, sexuality, disability, or religion/belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. 

It can be direct (treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic) or indirect (a policy or practice that disadvantages people with a protected characteristic).

Examples of discrimination

  • Direct Discrimination — refusing to hire someone due to their age or gender identity.
  • Indirect Discrimination — a dress code policy that disproportionately affects people of a certain religion.
  • Harassment — unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. You can read more about harassment on our support pages [Insert link]
  • Victimisation — treating someone badly because they have made or supported a complaint about discrimination.
  • Lack of Reasonable Adjustments — failing to make necessary changes for a disabled person to do their job or access services.

I have been subjected to discrimination

Your safety and wellbeing

  • Find a safe space. If you feel unsafe, find a trusted person or safe space.
  • Seek support. Consider whether you need practical or emotional support (e.g., from a friend, family member, or a professional). Further information about support available.

Document what happened

  • Write down what happened as soon as you can, including dates, times, places, and any witnesses.
  • Keep any evidence (e.g. messages, emails, photos).
  • This is helpful whether or not you decide to report it.

Consider reporting and seeking a resolution

  • Report + Support. You can share the details of an incident using the Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or with your name and contact details. If you report with your name and contact details, you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
  • Procedures and resolution. If you choose to make a report there are procedures which set out the steps you'll need to follow and the possible resolutions available to you. Further information about procedures and resolution options. [insert link].
  • Share anonymously. You can choose to share anonymously, meaning no identifying information has to be shared. This option also includes the ability to opt into continued communication with a case worker. Further information about anonymous reporting [insert link].
  • Share with contact details. You can choose to share your experience and give your contact details so that you get a direct response. You can choose who your report goes to [insert link].

Take your time

  • You don’t have to make decisions straight away. It’s okay to take the time you need to think about what’s right for you.
  • Take the time to read and understand what your options are.
  • Request to speak to an advisor through Report + Support and discuss your options.

Where to get support

  • ACAS helpline 0300 123 1100. You do not have to give any personal details. 

They can talk through:

  • any work-related problem or question you have
  • what the law says and how it relates to you
  • good practice at work
  • your options, including any risks and benefits

Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk)

Visit our support pages to see more support options available to you.

Someone I know has been subjected to discrimination

Listen without judgement or interruption

  • Let them lead the conversation — focus on what they want to share.
  • Avoid asking “why” questions that could sound like blame.
  • Use phrases like:
    • “Thank you for telling me.”
    • “That shouldn’t have happened to you.”
    • “I’m here for you.”

Believe them

  • One of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.
  • Avoid playing down what happened or making excuses for the perpetrator.

Offer practical help and options

  • Ask what they would like from you:
    • “Would you like help reporting this?”
    • “Do you want me to come with you to speak to someone?”
    • “Would you like me to just sit with you while you decide what to do next?”
  • Help them explore their options, but don’t pressure them to take any particular action.
  • Research options available to them (see section on I have experienced harassment or other pages on this site).

Respect their decisions

  • Whether they choose to report or not, that’s their choice.
  • If they don’t feel safe or ready to report, respect that decision.

Look after yourself too

  • Supporting someone through a difficult experience can also take an emotional toll on you. It’s okay to seek support yourself (without breaking their confidentiality).
  • Know your limits of how much you can support someone and what is too much for you to offer. If supporting someone becomes too much for you, you can always signpost them to other support available to them.

Challenge discrimination when safe

  • If you witness discrimination in the future and feel it’s safe to do so, speak up or challenge it.
  • Learn more about bystander interventions.

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There are two ways you can tell us what happened

Share anonymously or Share with contact details