Information For Employers
Are Employers liable?
An employer may well be liable for the discriminatory act of an employee, carried out in the course of the employment, whether or not those actions were done with the employer’s knowledge or approval.
For example, if one employee is being treated less favourably by another because of her sex then the offender’s employer may well be liable for failing to ensure that the treatment did not take place in the workplace.
The Consequences for Employers
If an individual has been discriminated against in the workplace he/she may be awarded compensation by an employment tribunal.
Compensation may include loss of earnings, an award for injury to feelings, and an order that such discrimination ceases. Awards are unlimited and can be very high.
It is therefore imperative that employers take full legal advice in relation to legal proceedings.
What can employers do to protect themselves? - Some practical guidance:
- All managers and supervisors should set a good example.
- Ensure all staff are fully aware of what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace
- Promote a culture of tolerance and equality
- Draft equality and anti bullying and harassment policies and ensure they are implemented
- Any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment should be dealt with appropriately
- Any complaints should be dealt with seriously, confidentially, promptly and even-handedly
- Both formal and informal methods of resolving the problems should be available
- Consider a risk assessment for your organisation
Please note that this website is currently being worked on to update references to legislation following the introduction of the Equality Act 2010. Until this work is complete the site may reference to earlier legislation.
- Types of Discrimination
- Sex Discrimination
- Race Discrimination
- Disability
- Sexual Orientation
- Religion or Belief
- Age Discrimination
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