Racial Discrimination at Work

Legal Support for Victims of Racial Discrimination in the Workplace 

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we are proud to support employees who have faced racial discrimination at work and give legal counsel to employers who feel they might have acted unlawfully.

Whether you’ve been denied opportunities, treated unfairly, or subjected to offensive comments because of your race, our employment solicitors are here to support you every step of the way. 

Discrimination based on race is both unethical and unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. If you’ve experienced this kind of treatment or if you have witnessed it within your organisation, we can help you seek justice. 

What Is Race Discrimination? 

Race discrimination involves treating someone unfairly because of their:

• Race
• Ethnic origin 
• Nationality 
• Skin colour 

This protection also extends to discrimination by perception (e.g. if someone assumes your race or ethnicity) and by association (e.g. if you are treated differently because of your connection with someone of a particular race or nationality). 

The law applies to all aspects of employment—from recruitment and interviews to promotions, disciplinary action, redundancy, and dismissal. 

Types of Race Discrimination 

1. Direct Discrimination 

Occurs when someone is treated less favourably specifically because of their race. 

Example: A Black employee is consistently passed over for promotions in favour of less experienced white colleagues. 

2. Indirect Discrimination 

This happens when a workplace policy or practice applies to everyone but disproportionately disadvantages people from a particular racial group. 

Example: Requiring all employees to speak only English at all times in the workplace, even when unnecessary, could disadvantage bilingual or multilingual staff from ethnic minorities.

3. Harassment 

Unwanted behaviour related to race that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment. 

Examples: 

• Racist jokes or slurs 
• Offensive stereotyping 
• Racially charged emails or messages 

4. Victimisation 

Being treated badly because you made a complaint about race discrimination or supported someone else’s complaint. 

Example: After supporting a colleague’s grievance about racial discrimination, your responsibilities are reduced or your promotion is withdrawn. 

Examples of Race Discrimination We Help With 

• You’re consistently excluded from training, promotions, or pay rises offered to others 
• A manager makes repeated racially insensitive remarks or jokes 
• You are disciplined more harshly than colleagues of a different race for similar conduct 
• You’re denied progression due to concerns about how clients or customers may react to your ethnicity 
• A recruiter rejects your application based on your name, accent or country of origin 
• You’re forced to leave your job due to a toxic work environment fuelled by racist behaviour 

If you’ve experienced any of the above, we can assess your legal options and support you in bringing a claim. 

Your Legal Rights 

Under the Equality Act 2010, you are legally protected against racial discrimination at all stages of employment, including: 

• Recruitment
• Employment terms and conditions 
• Promotions and transfers 
• Training opportunities 
• Disciplinary and grievance procedures 
• Redundancy and dismissal 

You are entitled to bring a claim regardless of your role, contract type or length of service. 

What to Do If You’re Being Racially Discriminated Against at Work 

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against based on race, consider the following steps: 

1. Keep a record – Document what was said or done, when, and who was involved. Save emails, messages, or notes. 
2. Raise concerns internally – If safe, speak to your manager or HR department. 
3. Submit a formal grievance – Use your employer’s grievance procedure to raise a formal complaint. 
4. Contact our team – Our legal experts can advise you on your rights, the strength of your claim, and the best next steps. 

⏳ Time limit: You have three months less one day from the last discriminatory act to begin an Employment Tribunal claim—so don’t delay. 

How We Can Help 

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we offer specialist support to employees and professionals facing race discrimination. Our services include: 

• Reviewing your situation and advising on your legal position 
• Drafting grievance letters and correspondence with your employer ● Negotiating settlement agreements and severance terms 
• Representing you at Employment Tribunals and in court proceedings ● Advising on linked claims, such as constructive dismissal or victimisation 

Whether you want to remain in your role or seek a clean exit, we’ll help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network? 

• ✅ Experienced employment law team with a focus on discrimination claims
• ✅ Clear, supportive legal advice that puts your interests first 
• ✅ Strong track record in securing compensation and accountability
• ✅ Flexible fee structures, including fixed-fee consultations 
• ✅ Discreet, remote consultations available nationwide 

We act for employees across all sectors—from finance, law and education to tech, retail and healthcare. Our clients include junior staff, senior executives, and directors alike. 

Contact Us Today 

If you’ve experienced race discrimination at work, take the first step towards justice. Our expert solicitors are here to help you challenge injustice and protect your future. 

📞 Call us on: [01444 708 640]
📧 Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
📩 Or submit an enquiry via our Contact Form