05. What you can do about discrimination

If you have been discriminated against, first think about what you want to be done. Depending on how you were discriminated against, you may want:

• your job back;  
• compensation;  
• an apology; or  
• a clear sign that an organisation won't discriminate in the same way in future.

Whatever you want, it is usually best to first try to resolve the matter with the person or organisation that has discriminated against you (your employer, or the service provider, for example).

If complaining in this way doesn't get you what you want, you may be able to take your case to:

• an employment tribunal if it is about a job; or  
• the county court.

If your problem is about sex discrimination or equal pay, contact the Equal Opportunities Commission, a body set up by the government to promote equal opportunities for men and women.

The Equal Opportunities Commission can tell you more about your rights under the Sex Discrimination Act and the Equal Pay Act. It can also advise you about how to deal with a complaint, including going to a tribunal or to court.

You can also get help from:

• your trade union, if you have one (and it is about a job);  
• your local law centre;  
• a Citizens Advice Bureau; or  
• a solicitor.

See 'Further help' for contact details.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) may also be able to help with a claim of discrimination at work. If you and your employer are both willing to try conciliation, an ACAS officer will try to help you reach a settlement without the need for a hearing. If you or they do not want to do this, or you cannot agree, the case can still go to an employment tribunal. However, there are time limits for doing this (see 'Going to an employment tribunal', below).

If the tribunal or court rules that you have been unlawfully discriminated against, it can award you compensation for:

• actual or possible loss of earnings;  
• injury to feelings; or  
• personal injury, if it was caused by discrimination.