Disability Discrimination and Legal Advice

Any form of discrimination at work is unacceptable. For those with a disability, being treated unfairly, however, is not an uncommon complaint. Statistically, those with a disability are significantly more likely to be victims of discrimination compared to those without one. 

 

At DSM Legal, we see several cases each year where our clients are denied the equality they should rightly expect. Someone who uses a wheelchair might be denied appropriate access to an office. An individual with eyesight or hearing problems discovers they are not given the tools to their job properly. A person might be denied promotion or employment in the first place because they are disabled. 

 

 

There’s direct discrimination where an employer openly refuses to treat a member of staff equally because of a disability. You may even be denied a job or promotion because your boss doesn’t want someone with a disability in the role. They may even decide not to implement reasonable changes to help you cope. 

 

There is also indirect discrimination where processes or procedures are put in place for the whole workforce which unintentionally impact on how a disabled person can do their job. An employer might not have made the necessary adjustments to your workspace that you should reasonably expect them to undertake. In an ideal world, any employer should have procedures in place to prevent discrimination in areas such as recruitment and selection, pay and conditions, training and development and promotion opportunities. 

 

In more upsetting circumstances, you could be subject to victimisation and harassment because of your disability. That could mean that an employer only sees your disability and doesn’t see you as a human being and a valued member of the workforce. It might mean other members of staff and work colleagues treat you differently because you have, for example, hearing problems or a mental health issue. 

 

People with a disability are protected under law from discrimination. The important piece of legislation is the Equalities Act 2010 which makes it unlawful for someone to discriminate against you if you have a mental or physical disability. This can often be a complex area for people to navigate when there is a case of discrimination and it can be daunting to try and get the redress you are due under law. 

 

 

Our experienced teams at DSM Legal Solicitors will certainly be able to help if you feel you have been subjected to discrimination because of your disability. While it normally does cost to bring a case to tribunal, if there is good chance of winning we may be able to offer to take your case on you a 'no win no fee' basis. We can help with an initial consultation, where we can listen to your problem and discuss the legal aspects of your situation and whether there is a good case for discrimination. 

 

Getting the right legal advice as quickly as possible when you believe that you have been discriminated against is important as there are often time limits relating to claims about employment law. At DSM Legal, you’ll be able to sit down with a knowledgeable and friendly solicitor who can look at your case and give you all the advice you need. 

 

Contact us today for more information on 01925 937070.