sex discrimination in the workplace

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sex discrimination at work

Sex discrimination in the workplace is a major problem. It stops women pursuing the careers they have chosen, and it deters women from entering professions and careers too. It is unlawful to discriminate, i.e. treat a woman unfavourably because of her sex but it still happens. Gender discrimination in the workplace has been highlighted by the #metoo movement but it has not been eradicated.

Sex is a protected characteristic and refers to men and women of any age. If there is a group suffering discrimination because of sex it includes men and/or boys and women and/or girls. We routinely see women being treated differently from men at work. For the legislation, a man in a similar position to the woman suffering discrimination is called a comparator. Sex discrimination by a woman against another woman or by a man against another man is also unlawful discrimination.

Sex discrimination applies to men as well as women, but we rarely see cases where men are the victims of sex discrimination at work. This is probably linked to societal bias. Sex discrimination does not include gender reassignment or sexual orientation which are protected separately under the Equality Act 2010.

To understand your basic rights around sex discrimination at work check out the Equality and Human Rights Commission online advice and guidance.

There are many times of sex discrimination:

  • Direct – “I won’t be promoting you because you are a woman and you might get pregnant”
  • Indirect – “we are going to have all our team meetings at 7pm in the evening (irrespective of your family responsibilities”)
  • Harassment – there are 3 types:
    • Unwanted conduct causing distress, humiliation, offence
    • Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature – this is sexual harassment
    • Less favourable treatment because you have rejected sexual harassment or been a victim of it
  • Victimisation – treating you unfairly because you have made a complaint about sex discrimination or have supported a colleague who has made a complaint

For more advice try these links:

Citizens Advice

ACAS

Sex discrimination in the workplace destroys lives. You do not have to put up with it. Take advice. A sex discrimination claim need not mean litigation but if it does, we will support you throughout the process. Don’t let unwanted conduct ruin your life. Claim sex discrimination compensation and take back control of the situation. You might think this was never going to happen to you and that it will resolve itself but that is unlikely.

We’ve acted for scores of incredible, driven, powerful women whose careers are being stymied and lives being made miserable by sex discrimination in the workplace and sexual harassment. Don’t be one of them.

Find further useful information on sex discrimination below:

The Equality and Human Rights Commission Advice and guidance on equality and discrimination law. Their Statutory Code of Practice has a wealth of information about discrimination rights and can be downloaded.
Here: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/employercode.pdf

FAQs

Examples of discrimination based on sexual orientation:

  • If an employer allows a man whose female partner is pregnant to take leave so that he can go to ante-natal appointments with her but refuses a similar request from a woman whose female partner is pregnant.
  • If an employer allows a female who has a male partner leave so that she can care for their sick child but refuses a similar request from man whose partner is male. 
  • If an employer allows a man whose female partner is having IVF treatment to take leave so that he can attend the appointments with her but he refuses a simlair request from a women whose female partner is undergoing IVF treatment. 

At didlaw we are experienced discrimination lawyers who have empathy and will fight for you.  If you think that you have been discriminated against based on your sexual orientation then we can help you.

Examples of discrimination based on gender identity:

  • If an employer overlooks you for a promotion because you have informed them that you are in the process of changing your gender. 
  • If an employee makes derogatory comments towards you because you have informed them that you were born male but now identify as female. 

At didlaw we are experienced discrimination lawyers who have empathy and will fight for you.  If you think that you have been discriminated against based on your gender identity then we can help you.

What is discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation?

This is when you are treated less favourably because of your sexual orientation in one of the situations covered by the Equality Act 2010. The treatment could be a one-off action or as a direct result of a rule or policy based on your sexual orientation.

What does the sex discrimination act protect you from?

Sex discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010. It protects you from being treated differently or less favourably compared to your colleagues based on your sex. It also protects you from harassment based on your sex. If you believe you have been affected by sex discrimination in the workplace, be sure to contact us here at didlaw. We have a thorough understanding of employment discrimination issues so can provide the exact advice you need. Speak to us today if you are considering expert legal action.

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