Everyone should be able to go to work and be free of discrimination, including being targeted because of your sexual orientation. Sexual orientation discrimination is when you’re treated unfavourably because you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual or heterosexual. We have specialist solicitors who are experts in dealing with this type of discrimination, in a sensitive and supportive manner.
Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic named in the Equality Act 2010. This means that if you face this kind of discrimination at work, we can support you in making a complaint or going through the grievance procedure. We could also help you claim compensation.
This type of discrimination can come in different forms, and it also doesn’t need to be intentional to be discriminatory. Contact our team if you need help by calling us on 0207 650 3939 or fill out our online form and we'll call you back.
What Services Do We Offer?
If you’ve experienced discrimination at work because of your sexual orientation, we can help. You can contact online or call us, where our experts will listen carefully to your case and advise you on where to go next.
We’ll do everything in our power to make the process as straightforward and as comfortable for you as possible. Nearly all of our discrimination cases are settled out of court, so we’ll first negotiate with your employer to try and reach an agreement.
If your case does go to an Employment Tribunal or to court (for example, if you make an appeal), we can represent you and help guide you through the process.
Give us a call on 0207 650 3939 for an informal chat about what’s happened and how we might be able to help.
Who Can We Help?
Our lawyers are used to helping people in a wide range of industries, in a variety of different job roles. We also have particular experience representing directors, senior executives and other professionals with complex claims.
We can help if you’ve been discriminated against because:
- You’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual or heterosexual
- Someone has mistakenly identified you as any of the above
- You are connected to someone who identifies as any of the above.
And if any of the following things have happened to you because of your sexual orientation:
- You’re unfairly dismissed – your employer ended your employment without a reason or without following procedure
- You’re constructively dismissed – if you were left with no choice but to leave your job due to a breach of contract
- You’re made redundant – if you were picked for redundancy based on your sexual orientation alone
- You’re overlooked for a promotion – if you’ve not been considered for a promotion, or even prevented from applying for one, because of your sexual orientation
- You’re demoted – if your employer demotes you or drastically changes your job role without a reason
- You’ve had trouble with the recruitment process – if your job application is rejected because of your sexual orientation
- You’re bullied or harassed – if an individual or a group of people at work make you feel degraded, humiliated, offended or intimidated because of your sexual orientation
- You’re victimised – if you’ve experienced unfair treatment after making a complaint about discrimination, or after supporting someone who has made a complaint.
Discrimination can also be direct or indirect:
- Direct Discrimination – when you are treated worse than another person in a similar situation because of your sexual orientation. For example, you were due to represent your company at a business conference, but your boss gives the opportunity to someone else after finding out that you’re in a same-sex relationship
- Indirect Discrimination – when a rule or policy at your workplace puts people of a specific sexual orientation at a disadvantage.
Why Choose Us?
Our lawyers are experienced in this specific area of law and will be by your side every step of the way, so you feel comfortable asserting your rights.
It doesn’t matter if you work for a small independent business or a global corporate company. We’re committed to making you feel comfortable no matter how big or small your employer is.
We also have a longstanding relationship with leading LGBT rights charity Stonewall, who have named us as one of their Diversity Champions. All our offices share their vision for an equal and inclusive workplace, and we work hard to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
We’re also recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as industry leaders who fight hard for our clients. On multiple occasions we have lead the way on landmark decisions in the higher courts. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive and compassionate service, and are committed to getting you the best possible outcome.
If you think you need our help, get in touch via our online form or alternatively, call us on 0207 650 3939.
Experienced sexual orientation discrimination solicitors
LGBTQ+ friendly – Stonewall Diversity Champions
Advice in plain English
Offices around the UK
