Discrimination and Grievances Solicitors For Businesses

Dealing with a discrimination or grievance

A discrimination or grievance situation within your business is never welcomed. They can be time consuming and incredibly costly for not just your organisation’s goals, but the reputation of your business also. 

Our expert business law Solicitors are here to support you and your business, ensuring that any discrimination or grievance case is resolved quickly and as efficiently as possible. 

What are the different types of discrimination? 

There are 4 main types of discrimination that can occur. These are: 

Direct discrimination

This type of discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably than someone else within the organisation based on protected characteristics, such as their age, sex, race, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic. 

Harassment

This is when someone within the organisation has created an atmosphere that makes someone feel uncomfortable. This employee could feel uncomfortable, offended or intimidated. Examples of harassment can include offensive jokes, verbal abuse, asking personal questions, being intimidating and hostile. 

Indirect discrimination

This form of discrimination occurs when a workplace policy, practice, or rule applies equally to all employees but inadvertently disadvantages individuals with a ‘protected characteristic.’ As an employer or business owner, you must ensure your policies do not inadvertently discriminate against specific groups. 

Victimisation

If an employee has been involved within a discrimination or harassment case, and they are then treated less favourably because of this, that is classed as victimisation. This can include the involved employee being demoted, or even dismissed because of their involvement. 

As an employer, you must ensure that your employees can safely raise their concerns without fear of victimisation. 

What is a workplace grievance? 

A grievance in the workplace involves  any issues, concerns or complaints that an employee has that they would then raise with you, the employer or business owner. 

Types of grievances an employee might raise with you are: 

• Bullying or harassment
• Pay or benefit disputes
• Workload and overall job demand
• Health and safety concerns
• Workplace policies and practices

Once a grievance has been raised, it is your job as an employer to follow a fair process in investigating and addressing it. If you don’t, then there could be a breach of the implied term of mutual trust and confidence between you and your employee, perhaps resulting in a constructive dismissal claim in the employment tribunal.

How Eric Robinson Solicitors can help your business

Our business law Solicitors can help you if an employee brings forward a discrimination or grievance claim. 

We can help you structure and apply procedures fairly and lawfully, resulting in the claim being resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible, allowing your business to put the focus back on your goals. 

To speak to us and find out more, get in touch with one of our local branches at the following locations:

• Southampton
• Hedge End
• Chandlers Ford
• Winchester
• Lymington 
• Shoreham-by-Sea
• Richmond Upon Thames