Discrimination in the workplace is against the law, but it still happens. Employers are not always clued up or remain stuck in the Dark Ages. It’s important to be aware of your rights and know how to spot the signs you are not being treated fairly. This could be because of your gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or more. Whatever the reason, read on for a guide to some key warning signs.

Discriminatory Interview Questions

Sometimes it is obvious what a workplace is like from the moment you arrive for an interview. Employers can’t quiz female applicants about whether they intend to have children. Questions relating to a candidate’s race, gender identity, age, and so on are also inappropriate. Any sexually questionable comments are a major red flag, such as an interviewer commenting that a female interviewee is “hot”.

If any line of questioning, comments, tone, or looks make you feel uncomfortable, it is likely the interviewer has crossed a line and their behaviour is inappropriate.

You’re Being Paid Less

Not everyone is paid the same. People with more experience or a higher level of responsibility expect to be paid more in compensation. However, if a colleague with the same experience, doing the same job, is paid more, that’s unfair. It may not be outright discrimination, but if that colleague is a man and you’re female, or white when you’re not, you could have grounds for a discrimination claim.

Unfair Treatment During Pregnancy

Women have the right to be treated fairly during pregnancy. Employers can’t sack them for being pregnant and must accommodate them in other ways. If your employer has begun treating you unfairly because you told them you were pregnant or suggested you might like to quit now that you’re having a baby, it’s discriminatory.

You’re the Butt of Offensive Office Banter

There is nothing wrong with a bit of light-hearted banter in the workplace, but not when one person is the butt of all the jokes. Jokes are not funny when they are offensive, and not when people are laughing at you rather than with you. If someone is making comments or jokes of a racist, sexist, or similar nature and you believe they are aimed at you, you don’t have to grin and bear it – this is discrimination. Sometimes, comments are less overt but just as hostile and insulting. Be alert for disrespectful jokes and banter that only just cross the line but are no less upsetting.

Ageism

Age discrimination is very common. Older workers end up being side-lined because they ostensibly can’t handle IT systems or are viewed as “too old” in a workplace full of millennials. Unpleasant comments about menopause and banter about how you’re too told to understand technology are discriminatory.

Your Next Steps

This article on diversity and inclusion goes into the topic in more detail, but if you have any reason to think you are being discriminated against in the workplace, it’s important to seek advice. Speak to a line manager or HR in the first instance. If nothing changes, make an appointment with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or an employment lawyer. Keep a record of what’s been happening, including copies of emails, text messages, audio recordings, etc.

Don’t sit back and let it happen. There is help available!