Discrimination Law

An introduction to the relevant legislation

A closer look at race, gender, religion and sexual orientation discrimination

  • Direct and indirect discrimination
  • What is victimisation?
  • Recruitment and advertising: what are the legal considerations?
  • Maternity, paternity and parental rights
  • Flexible working requests
  • Equal pay and opportunities
  • Sexual orientation
  • Religion
  • Gender re-assignment
  • Recent case law

Disability discrimination

  • Meaning of ‘disability’ and ‘discrimination’
  • What is the employer’s duty to make adjustments?
  • The nature of ‘reasonableness’
  • Exceptions and defences
  • Compensation
  • Absence from work – stress cases
  • Recent case law

Harassment and bullying

  • Definitions
  • Investigating harassment and bullying allegations
  • Examining line manager responsibility
  • Policies in practice
  • Effects on health and absence – stress

Age discrimination

  • Age discrimination
  • Recruitment and promotion
  • Pay and benefits
  • Health and safety issues
  • Dismissal and retirement
  • Potential justifications

Enforcement and liability

  • Burden of proof
  • Remedies and compensation
  • Avoiding litigation
  • Handling tribunal claims
  • Damages and financial implications of different discrimination claims