If you’re being discriminated against at work

If you’ve not been given more shifts because of your race, what you believe, or because of your sexuality, then that might be discrimination. And if you believe you’ve been passed over for a promotion because of your age, that could be discrimination too.

You might be protected by the Equality Act

Regardless of whether you’re working under a short-term, casual or permanent contract whilst you’re studying, you have protection from discrimination if you’ve been treated unfairly because of your: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or beliefs, your sex, or your sexual orientation. You also have the right not to suffer discrimination when applying for jobs.

Whether you’ve got evidence that you’ve been treated unfairly, or just think you have because of one of the above protected characteristics, you may have grounds to make a claim. But it’s not always straightforward to argue your case. And lots of students don’t have a trade union to fight their corner or the money to pay for a firm of solicitors.

The deadline to issue a claim is short. Usually, you only have three months less one day from the date of any act of discrimination (or three months from the end of any continuing act) in which to issue a claim. And before you do you first need to go through Acas early conciliation. So you need to act fast.

How Which? Legal can help

Discrimination claims are complex, and having an expert on hand can be a big help.

Our employment solicitors will discuss your circumstances and the different types of claim you may have. They can also explain how to raise concerns with your employer, and how long you’ve got to act if you want to go to an employment tribunal. At every stage we’ll look out for your needs and help you shape the best strategy for your claim. We’ll:

• listen to what’s happened
• explain your rights
• advise you on your next steps and the deadlines to pursue any claims