Discrimination at Work

Streaming video - 2015

Key Topics: Equality Act Sexual Discrimination Pregnancy Perception Employment Law  PART 1: Introduction Discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfairly for no justifiable reason. Businesses guilty of discrimination may be liable for prosecution. But what does the law say? Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal to discriminate against people on grounds of what are known as "protected characteristics". These include race, sex, age, disability. The act defines new types of discrimination, including direct, associated discrimination and discrimination by perception. This is when an employer discriminates against someone because they think the employee possesses a protected characteristic - even though they may... not actually have it. PART 2: Teresa's Story Hotel worker Teresa tells her boss she's pregnant. Her boss seems happy for her. Then their relationship breaks down and Teresa gets the sack. Her boss says it's for being late. Teresa says it's for being pregnant. Is it discrimination? EXTRA: "Discrimination - A Hard Case to Prove". A solicitor explains the difficulties of proving cases of discrimination in the workplace. more