Expert Employment Discrimination Solicitors
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of who you are, you may have a discrimination claim under UK law. Our employment discrimination solicitors help people across the UK to understand their rights, protect their position, and take practical steps to resolve issues or pursue a claim with confidence and support.
- Get clear discrimination advice UK wide
- Understand your rights on discrimination UK wide
- Protect your job and reputation UK wide
- Take strong action on discrimination UK wide
- Secure fair outcomes for discrimination UK wide
Employment Discrimination Solicitors - Clear Advice When You Need It (UK Wide)
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of who you are, you are not powerless. Employment discrimination is unlawful in the UK, and you have clear rights under the Equality Act 2010. We help people across the UK understand those rights and act on them with confidence.
Winston Solicitors is trusted by thousands of people who have been in your position, with over 3,000 five-star reviews for our clarity, care, and results. In 2022–23, the Ministry of Justice reported around 20,000 discrimination claims in Employment Tribunals, showing how common these cases are across the UK. 92% of clients who followed our advice felt more confident about their case.
You do not need to face this alone. Whether you want to resolve things quickly or pursue a claim, we will explain your options in plain English and guide you step by step.
We advocate for those who feel they’ve lost their voice. Our mission is to transform workplace anxiety into clear, fair, and secure resolutions.
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment at Winston Solicitors
What counts as discrimination? (Protected characteristics in the UK)
In the UK, discrimination is unlawful when it is linked to one of the nine protected characteristics:
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Race
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or belief
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
This protection applies to recruitment, promotions, pay, discipline, working conditions, and dismissal.
Types of discrimination (explained simply)
Direct discrimination
Being treated worse than others because of who you are - for example, being passed over for a promotion because of your age.
Indirect discrimination
A workplace rule or practice that disadvantages people with a protected characteristic. It is only lawful if your employer can clearly justify it. Discrimination arising from disability.
When an employer penalises you for a consequence of your condition. This is unlawful unless they can prove the treatment is a proportionate way to achieve a legitimate business aim.
Failure to make reasonable adjustments
When an employer fails to take positive steps to remove barriers that put you at a disadvantage because of your disability, for example, refusing to provide specialised equipment or flexible working hours to help you do your job effectively.
Harassment
Unwanted conduct linked to a protected characteristic that violates your dignity or is intimidating, humiliating, or offensive. It does not need to be repeated to be unlawful.
Victimisation
Being treated badly because you complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s complaint.
We advise and represent people across all four types of discrimination in the Employment Tribunal.
Who can make a discrimination claim?
You can bring a claim if you are a:
- Job applicant
- Employee
- Worker or contractor
- Apprentice
- Former employee
You do not need any minimum length of service to claim discrimination in the UK.
Discrimination claims time limits (UK)
You usually have three months less one day from the last act of discrimination to start a claim. Before going to a tribunal, most people must first go through ACAS Early Conciliation.
Time limits are strict. Acting early gives you the strongest position.
What compensation can you claim?
You may be able to recover:
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Injury to feelings for the distress caused
- Pension losses and other financial impacts where relevant
Yes – you can also bring a claim against an individual manager as well as your employer in some cases.
How to make a discrimination claim (step by step)
Step 1 - Get early advice
Speak to an employment solicitor so you understand your rights and risks.
Step 2 - Start ACAS Early Conciliation
We can help you prepare for this process and negotiate where appropriate.
Step 3 - Gather evidence
Keep emails, messages, witness details, and a timeline of what happened.
Step 4 - Submit a tribunal claim (if needed)
If matters cannot be resolved, we will support you through every stage of your case.
Why people choose Winston Solicitors
We are known for clear communication, empathy, and results. Clients value that we listen, explain simply, and fight firmly where needed.
I had approached Winston Solicitors for aid about a time-sensitive case. They were very responsive, both through email and phone, and professional. They helped me resolve my case quickly and with ease.
Client, Leeds
Our focus is to protect your rights while keeping things practical, human, and as stress-free as possible.
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment at Winston Solicitors
Employment discrimination is when you are treated worse at work because of a protected characteristic, such as age, race, disability, or sex. This can happen during recruitment, employment, or after you have left a job.
Yes. Former employees and ex-workers are protected under UK employment discrimination law, provided you act within the time limit.
In most cases, you have three months less one day from the last act of discrimination. You must usually start ACAS Early Conciliation first.
It is compensation for the distress, humiliation, or upset caused by discrimination at work, in addition to any financial losses.
No. There is no minimum length of service required to bring an employment discrimination claim in the UK.
Yes. In some cases, you can bring a claim against an individual manager as well as your employer.
You should speak to an employment discrimination solicitor who specialises in UK employment law and tribunal claims.
