Mistreatment due to Sexual Orientation - A City Law Firm - London solicitors

Mistreatment due to Sexual Orientation

I have been refused a job because I am in a civil partnership; I have been denied a pay rise because I am bisexual; I am being harassed because my boss thinks I am a lesbian.

These are just some examples of discrimination that the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 prohibit. Importantly, the law not only makes it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of a person’s actual sexuality but also their perceived sexuality.  The law now also protects civil partners for example; it would be discriminatory to grant the spouses of married employees benefits but not the civil partners of employees.

If you are treated less favourably, put at a disadvantage, victimised or harassed by discriminatory behaviour or policies you should submit a written grievance to your employer; go through the grievance procedure or submit your claim. You have 3 months from the last act of discrimination to issue a claim.

If your claim is successful compensation can comprise loss of earnings and an award for injury to feelings. Awards are unlimited and can potentially be very high.