Is it sex discrimination, or am I being too sensitive?
If you feel that you’re being discriminated against at work because of your sex, you could be right. That means it’s time to talk to a solicitor.
If you’re facing discrimination at work, it’s natural to question yourself and wonder if you’re making something out of nothing, particularly if it’s something you experience continually. Different people react to discrimination differently, but just because other people can shrug it off, or are de-sensitised to it over time, it doesn’t make it right, and it doesn’t mean that you should let it go.
In this article, we’ll look at how the law defines sex discrimination in the workplace, including some examples that may resonate with you. Then, we’ll show you how we can help.
What is sex discrimination?
While the way people react to discrimination is subjective, the law is clear about what discrimination is. The law states that discrimination occurs when you are subjected to unwanted conduct, related to sex, and that conduct has the purpose or effect of violating your dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for you.
Discrimination based on sex is unlawful, and if you believe you are facing it in your work, you can bring a claim against your employer. You can bring a claim if you are still working at the company or have since left. However, you have a short window after any discriminatory act or comment occurred to start proceedings, so it is best to seek advice as early as possible and without delay.
The amount of money an employment tribunal can award you in successful sex discrimination cases is uncapped. Sometimes, you’ll hear about claimants being awarded payouts of hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds. However, these types of payouts are extremely rare and would depend on the severity and duration of the discriminatory conduct. The tribunal will decide your award (based around four bands) taking into account the injury to your feelings and whether the harassment was on a continual basis.
How do I know if I’m being discriminated against?
Some people may be happy to brush sex discrimination off for whatever reason. Others may not even realise they’re experiencing discrimination, believing it’s just part and parcel of everyday life in the workplace. The challenge with discrimination is that it’s rarely overt; most of the time, it’s more subtle. However, if you feel that you’re being treated negatively or unfairly and it is related to your sex, you probably are.
Discrimination could come in the form of:
Comments
Being marginalised at work
Not getting promotions or pay increases
Having your authority undermined or your opinions ignored
Criticism of your sex, even if it is not about you personally
Here are three short examples of situations where discrimination may have taken place:
A manager asks one of his female colleagues out on a date, but she refuses. She is then turned down for a promotion which she believes she would otherwise have received had she agreed to the date.
A supervisor tells a female worker, in front of her male colleagues, that her work is not up to standard and, as a woman, she will never succeed and should stay at home with her children.
On a training course attended by male and female co-workers, the male trainer makes several sexist remarks to the entire group. Although no remarks were directed at her personally, a female colleague finds his comments offensive and humiliating.
Most of us can see that these are examples of discriminatory behaviour. However, some women will feel that it’s just the way of the world, especially if they work in a male-orientated workplace. You should never have to put up with discrimination that makes you feel intimidated or humiliated. Nor should you face career setbacks because of your sex. That’s why your employment solicitor is here to help.
How we help
If you feel that you’re being discriminated against at work because of your sex or reasons related to it, you should talk to an employment lawyer as soon as possible - even if you question whether other people might think you are being oversensitive. Remember, you only have a short three-month (less one day) window to bring a claim.
At Couchman Hanson, our employment lawyers will listen to your story, review any evidence, if available. Then, we’ll advise you on whether you have grounds for a claim and the merits of your case. We’ll also explain the cost of pursuing a claim.
In reality, most cases settle before they get to a final hearing. However, if we need to go to tribunal, our solicitors are experienced in representing clients in discrimination claims and will be with you every step of the way. We are here to help you get the best possible outcome.
You should never have to suffer in silence. If you think you’re experiencing sex discrimination at work, no matter how small, talk to Couchman Hanson today.
Find out more from Couchman Hanson
At Couchman Hanson, our solicitors genuinely care about getting the best outcome for you. We’re highly professional, with ‘city’ level talent and experience, but also friendly and welcoming. Everything we do fits with our values of integrity, honesty and authenticity.
Call 01428 774756 or visit couchmanhanson.co.uk