Discrimination against a person on the grounds of their race, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins or religion or belief is unlawful under the Race Relations Act 1976 (RRA). It is also unlawful to disciminate in any aspect of the Employment Contract. The Act additionally applies to recruitment, promotion and dismissal.

A 'religion or belief' is defined as any religious or similar philosophical belief.

Direct Race Discrimination is the most obvious type of discrimination and occurs when an employer treats an employee less favourably, because of his race, than another employee in similiar circumstances.

Indirect Race Discrimination is a less obvious form of discrimination, but occurs where for example an employer imposes a condition, practice or requirement on all employees, which has a disproprtionate and unjustifiable impact on one group of employees.

It is unlawful, under the RRA, to victimise a person by treating a person less favourably, where for example that person has complained of Race Discrimination or done a 'protected act'; e.g., an employee has given evidence at a Tribunal in support of another employee's claim that he has suffered Race Discrimination.

Harassment under the RRA in relation to discrimination claims on the grounds of race, ethnic or national origin and religion or belief, occurs when an employer violates a workers dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment for the worker. Where an employee claims that he has been discriminated against by being harassed on the grounds of his colour or nationality, he must prove that he has suffered a detriment.

As an employee, you should be aware that if you feel that you have been racially discriminated against, then you must first bring the matter to your employer's attention through the company's internal grievance procedure, before commencing a claim in the Employment Tribunal.

There are strict time limits for commencing claims in the Employment Tribunal and Courts.

If you believe you have a claim against your employer please complete our Free Online Assessment Form, now. We will then respond to you usually within 48 working hours, including a free, initial assessment of your claim.

Alternatively you can download the free initial assessment form and send it to net employment solicitors at the address on our contact page.