The employment solicitors at Wilford Smith have a proven track record when it comes to defending employers following accusations of sex discrimination. With experience handling a comprehensive range of discrimination claims and unrivalled attention to detail, our solicitors are expertly placed to provide you with strategic client-focused representation.
Our lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure matters are resolved quickly and straightforwardly, avoiding any damage to your reputation and that of your business. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.
What is sex discrimination?
In the context of employment law, sex discrimination occurs when an employer discriminates against a worker – male or female – based on their sex. Such behaviour is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010 which protects anyone in an employment situation from suffering sex discrimination, including employees, people contracted through an agency, those working freelance, people doing work experience and directors.
There are four main types of sex discrimination:
Direct discrimination
This is when an individual is treated less favourably because of their gender. An example could be when a male employee is promoted ahead of a female colleague, despite the female candidate having more experience and qualifications. This can also apply to prospective employees, for example, where a job advertisement that states that a position is only open to female applicants. If there is no substantial reason for this, it may be considered direct discrimination.
Indirect discrimination
This is when a policy put in place by an employer, which applies to all workers, puts individual employees at a disadvantage based on their gender. Indirect discrimination can be justified if an employer can demonstrate that it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
Harassment or sexual harassment
Harassment is when an employer makes an employee feel humiliated, offended and/or degraded due to their sex. It can also occur when an employer treats an employee differently due to their unwillingness to tolerate the harassment or sexual harassment they receive.
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual conduct of a sexual nature or related in some way to sex that makes the workplace a humiliating, distressing or offensive environment for an employee.
Victimisation
Victimisation occurs when an employee is mistreated because they made a complaint regarding sex discrimination. This also covers situations where a worker has supported a colleague in their complaint, for example, by making a statement supporting another employee's claim for sex discrimination.
Who may be held accountable for unlawful sex discrimination?
Employers, service providers, associations and public bodies can all be held accountable if their employees’ conduct results in a claim for sex discrimination being made against the business or organisation.
Contact our Sex Discrimination Solicitors
Whatever the circumstances of your employee's sex discrimination claim, the employment lawyers at Wilford Smith can help. Our aim is always to avoid costly and drawn-out legal action wherever possible. If your case does go before an Employment Tribunal, our skills in advocacy and litigation mean our solicitors are best placed to conduct the most robust defence on your behalf. If you become aware of a potential sex discrimination claim, contact our employment team immediately.
Call us today on 0808 168 5813 or complete our online contact form.
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