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Race discrimination: what is it?

Introduction

The Equality Act 2010 (“the EA 2010”) protects employees against discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on a “protected characteristic”. One protected characteristic is race. This short article provides an overview of the key concepts in race discrimination claims.

What is race?

Section 9 of the EA 2010 defines race as including:

  • colour
  • nationality
  • ethnic or national origins

The list in section 9 is non-exhaustive, meaning that other characteristics not expressly included in the list might arguably be covered by section 9.

Direct discrimination

Direct race discrimination occurs where an employer treats an employee less favourably than it treats or would treat others, because of the employee’s race. There are several elements within this concept.

First, the employee must show that the employer treated them less favourably than someone else who was not of the same race as them, and that they (the employee) are worse off because of it.

Secondly, the employee must show that the treatment was less favourable when compared to a real or hypothetical comparator. A comparator is a person who, but for their race, is not materially different from the employee.

Thirdly, the less favourable treatment must be “because of” race. This is often articulated as “the reason why” test; the reason why the employee was treated less favourably must be their race.

The discriminator’s race

It is irrelevant whether the discriminator has the same protected characteristic. Therefore it is not, in theory, a defence to a direct discrimination claim that the alleged discriminator has the same racial characteristic as the person who has been discriminated against.

Indirect discrimination

Indirect discrimination occurs where an employer has a provision, criterion or practice (“PCP”) which, on the face of it, applies to everyone regardless of race, but has the effect of disadvantaging employees of one race. Indirect discrimination is unlawful whether it is intentional or not, unless the employer can show that the PCP  is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

Harassment

Section 26 of the 2010 Act provides that race harassment occurs where:

In deciding whether the conduct has the effect or purpose detailed above, the Tribunal will assess:

If one employee discriminates against or harasses another, the employer will be vicariously liable unless it has taken reasonable steps to prevent such conduct from taking place. The offending employee may also be liable.

Victimisation

Victimisation occurs where a person subjects another person to a detriment because the victim has done, intends to, or is suspected of:

  • bringing proceedings under the EA 2010
  • giving evidence or information in connection with proceedings brought under the EA 2010, irrespective of who brought the proceedings
  • alleging that the discriminator, or any other person, has contravened the EA 2010

The Act affords no protection if a person makes allegations of race discrimination which they know to be false. However, a person who complains mistakenly, but in good faith, is protected.

Remedies

An Employment Tribunal can award one or more of three remedies, if it finds that an individual has been a victim of race discrimination:

  • a declaration, which states what the rights of the parties are
  • compensation
  • a recommendation that the employer should take certain steps to remove or reduce the effect of the discrimination.

Time-limits

The time-limit for making a claim for race discrimination to the Employment Tribunal is three months less one day from the last act of discrimination. A claim that is brought outside of the time-limit may be allowed to proceed, subject to the Tribunal’s discretion, if there is a good reason why the claim was not made in time.

About us

Demstone Chambers are specialist employment law barristers. We are based in Milton Keynes but are able to help clients across England and Wales. We are able to help with all employment disputes, including race discrimination claims, drafting grounds of claim to the Employment Tribunal, advising on settlement offers, and attending Tribunal hearings.

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