Racial and Nationality Discrimination in the Workplace

If you have experienced racial or nationality discrimination in the workplace, you may be able to make a claim; and JMW can help. We are employment law and discrimination experts and our experience is great and varied, and includes cases in various sectors, involving firms of all sizes.

Race discrimination is defined as being when someone is treated less favourably on the grounds of their race, nationality, ethnic origin, heritage or colour of their skin. The law protects against racial discrimination in the workplace at every stage of the employment process, including recruitment, training, progression and dismissal.

To talk to us about the racism or racial discrimination you have experienced and get legal advice on taking the right steps to resolve the situation, contact us on 0345 872 6666 or use our online enquiry form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

About Race and Nationality Discrimination

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for anyone to be discriminated against in the workplace due to their race or nationality. Discrimination of this sort can take many forms, from the use of racist language by managers to the setting of rules that put those of a certain nationality at a distinct disadvantage compared to their colleagues.

Race discrimination covers discrimination on the grounds of:

• Race
• Skin colour
• Nationality
• Ethnic origins
• National origins

Although many workplaces in the UK reflect today's multicultural society, racism and discrimination in the workplace do still occur. Unfortunately, these cases sometimes go unreported for any number of reasons, which might include:

• The victim feeling too intimidated to report the issue
• The victim feeling too embarrassed to report the issue
• The victim is unaware of their legal rights
• The victim being unaware of the protection they are entitled to by law

If you have experienced racism in your job, it is therefore imperative that you are able to speak up about the issue and can access expert legal advice to ensure every action is taken to get the issue sorted as efficiently as possible. If you believe you may be in a position to make a claim, the team at JMW can advise you on the appropriate action to take.

When Racial Discrimination May Occur

There are countless scenarios whereby racism and racial discrimination in the workplace may occur. It could happen at various stages during and even before your employment, including when:

• Applying for a job
• Performing your duties
• Being considered for promotion
• Being selected for dismissal or redundancy

It could also be that you suffer discrimination within the terms and conditions of your contract, or with regard to the pay or benefits you receive.

Direct and Indirect Discrimination

Discrimination based on race or nationality can be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination is defined as an employee being treated less favourably than colleagues due to their race or nationality, with verbal bullying an example of such.

Indirect discrimination is more complex. An example might involve a manager making a request that is difficult for certain employees to fulfil due to their race or nationality, such as the banning of headscarves in an office or a requirement that all employees are clean shaven.

Another example could be a workplace having health and safety signs only in English, despite employing an international workforce.

In simple terms, both indirect and direct discrimination make it more difficult for someone to go about their job, whether in practical terms or due to them feeling victimised and unhappy about going to work.

Why Choose JMW?

If you have been discriminated against in your workplace because of your race or nationality, JMW can represent you. With years of experience in dealing with cases of both direct and indirect discrimination, we are in a strong position to fight your corner.

We are proud of our client-focused approach and will provide the guidance you need throughout your case, from start to finish. We understand the difficulties and complexities in any race or nationality discrimination case and will offer the support you need at what we know can be a particularly challenging time.