Discrimination

Under a range of different kinds of legislation, the law prohibits discrimination against various sectors of the workforce. Conduct is generally discriminatory where it may be considered to disadvantage a person of a particular sex or race, union members or non-members, ex-offenders, or from late 1996, the disabled. It may occur at recruitment, whilst employed or through termination. It is particularly important because in sex or race discrimination cases, the qualifying period of continuous employment for bringing a claim for dismissal does not apply when based upon discrimination and in such cases the limit on the amount an industrial tribunal may award is not applicable.