Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claims

If you feel that you have suffered discrimination on the grounds of your sexual orientation, you may be entitled to compensation. At DSM Legal our employment law solicitors offer initial consultations free of charge and in appropriate cases no win no fee. To speak to one of our employment law solicitors call us on 0845 009 0863

Employment Equality Law

Under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, you may claim direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Employment Equality Act protects employees, ex-employees and job applicants and applies to companies or firms of any size.

Sexual Orientation is defined as a sexual orientation to persons of the same sex and/or the opposite sex.

Indirect Sexual Orientation Discrimination occurs when an employer applies a provision, practice or criterion to the whole workforce, but which puts persons of the Claimant's sexual orientation at a disadvantage. However, an employer can argue that the indirect discrimination is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.Victimization of a person who brought or is considering bringing a claim under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 is also unlawful and can give rise to a further claim.

Harassment is unwanted conduct on the grounds of a victim's sexual orientation with the effect of violating the victim's dignity or creating an intimidating, degrading, humiliating or hostile environment for the victim. Less favourable treatment or harassment based on the perception, whether correct or incorrect, of another's sexual orientation is also unlawful. This will include discrimination based on that person's association with others of a particular sexual orientation. An employer can also be liable for the discriminatory acts of its employees, done in the course of their employment, whether the employer was made aware of the discrimination or not.

Contact us immediately if you think you may have a claim as there are strict time limits in the Employment Tribunal it may be necessary to act promptly to safeguard your interests. Call our employment law team now on 0845 009 0863

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