Sex Discrimination at Work

Experienced and supportive employment law solicitor

“Speaking to lawyers can sometimes be tough but Carl was very friendly and caring.”

Zsofia F.

Have you suffered sex discrimination at work?

Perhaps, because of your gender:

Or perhaps someone at work is making your life a misery. Their conduct is wholly inappropriate, offensive and humiliating. You’re being sexually harassed, bullied or unfairly treated after complaining about sexist language in the office.

Whatever your circumstances, there are few situations at work that are more distressing, hurtful and difficult to cope with than sex discrimination, harassment or victimisation.

“Carl Atkinson has, over the past two and a half years, been extremely supportive during my wife’s protracted case. He has been readily available and always endeavours to provide a positive way forward whilst maintaining a sympathetic stance. His approach is professional, approachable and supportive.”

Roger S.

Expert advice, guidance and support

Taking a stand can be daunting. Even with the support of your family and friends, you can feel alone and isolated. Uncertain about what the future might hold. 

Knowing that the law is on your side doesn’t make it any easier to bring a claim against your employer or former employer. Whatever the size of the organisation. Whatever your position. And whatever your gender.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was someone on your side to advise and guide you? Someone who can demystify the legal process and take the fight to your employer.

An approachable, supportive and experienced employment law solicitor. A sympathetic listener and tenacious champion of your rights. 

That’s where I come in.

“When I found myself in a position where my only remaining option was to take legal action against my employer, I felt isolated and vulnerable. At this time, Carl Atkinson’s calm and measured advice helped me to see that there was a way out of my difficulties. Knowing that he was there to argue my case offered reassurance when my own resilience was low.”

Simon W.

Sex discrimination claims specialist

For nearly 30 years, I’ve been helping employees and those who have suffered sex discrimination get the compensation they deserve. 

Now I can guide and advise you. Fight your corner. And help you present your legal claim in the best possible way – maximising the prospects of significant compensation or a substantial financial settlement.

Here are some of the things I will bring to your sex discrimination or harassment claim.

“Carl was a massive help during a difficult time. He was very knowledgeable and was able to provide me with guidance and support along with being really responsive and professional.”

Paul H.

What claims could I bring?

You know you’ve been treated unfairly. But working out how to translate that into a legal claim can be confusing.

To help, here’s a brief outline of the four main claims for sex discrimination at work you can bring under the Equality Act 2010. 

Direct discrimination

This is where there has been a difference in treatment. Where you’ve been treated less favourably than someone else because of sex. 

With this type of claim, there needs to be someone of the opposite sex who either has been or would have been treated better. This can be an actual work colleague or a hypothetical person. 

It’s vital you select the right comparator. The law says they have to be someone whose circumstances aren’t materially different from yours. I can help you identify an appropriate person.

Indirect discrimination

With these claims, there is no difference in treatment. Your employer has a policy or way of working that it applies to both sexes.

On the face of it, everyone is treated the same. The discrimination comes through a disparity in the effect the treatment has. Where it has a worse effect on workers or job applicants of a particular sex and your employer can’t justify the rule or practice.

Careful thought needs to be given to how you frame the policy or practice. Again, that’s something I can help you with.

Harassment

This is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, or related to gender, that creates an environment you find offensive, humiliating or degrading. It could be inappropriate comments, sexual innuendo or physical contact. 

It’s also sexual harassment if you’re treated less favourably because you reject someone’s unwanted conduct that’s of a sexual nature or related to gender.

Victimisation

This is where your employer treats you unfairly because you’ve made a complaint about sex discrimination or given evidence to support someone else’s complaint. 

For example, you raise a grievance about your colleagues’ so-called ‘banter’ and soon find yourself out of a job.

“Right from the outset, Carl put me at ease and filled me with the confidence that I required to pursue my Employment claim. If I needed any confirmation at any point, he was on hand to help me with sound advice and instruction.”

Richard L.

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