Introduction

How much compensation for discrimination can I get in the UK? Learn about the possible range of awards for different types of discrimination, including injury to feelings and financial losses. If you have encountered discrimination in the workplace or any other setting, you may wonder how much compensation you can get in the UK. Discrimination can profoundly impact your life, and the law provides a way to seek justice and financial compensation for the injury you have suffered. This writing will explore the different types of discrimination, the legal process for making a claim, and how much compensation you may be allowed to.

What is discrimination in the UK?

Discrimination is when you are mistreated because of a shielded characteristic, such as age, gender, race, religion, or disability. Several types of discrimination are recognized by UK law, including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization. Straightforward discrimination is when someone is treated less favorably than others because of their protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination is when a policy or practice disadvantages people with protected characteristics. Harassment is when someone creates a hostile or intimidating environment because of a protected characteristic. Victimization is when somebody is treated unfairly because they have made a whine about discrimination or supported someone else who has. For more about click here

How can I make a discrimination claim in the UK?

If you think you have been contrasted against, you can claim an employment tribunal or a court. Before making a claim, you must go through the process of early conciliation, which is an attempt to resolve the dispute with your employer or the person responsible for the discrimination. This involves contacting Acas, who will try to facilitate a settlement between you and the other party. If early conciliation does not resolve the matter, you can proceed with making a claim.

To make a claim, you must fill in a claim form and provide evidence of the discrimination, such as witness statements or emails. You must also explain how the discrimination has affected you and what you want as a remedy. The tribunal or court will then consider your claim and decide whether or not you have been discriminated against.

How much compensation can I get for discrimination in the UK?

The compensation for discrimination in the UK depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the discrimination, how it has affected you, and the financial losses you have suffered. Compensation is split into two parts: the award for injury to feelings and the award for financial losses.

The award for injury to feelings is intended to compensate you for the hurt, distress, and loss of self-esteem you have experienced due to the discrimination. The amount of this award depends on the severity of the discrimination and how it has affected you. The tribunal or court will consider factors such as the duration of the discrimination, the impact on your work or personal life, and any medical evidence you have provided.

Real-life examples of discrimination compensation in the UK

In 2018, a female engineer at Network Rail was awarded £75,000 in compensation after she was subjected to sexist and racist comments by her colleagues. The tribunal found that the engineer had been discriminated against because of her gender and race and had been victimized after she complained about the discrimination.

In 2020, a black worker at a Rolls-Royce factory in Derby was awarded £171,000 in compensation after he was racially abused and harassed by his colleagues. The tribunal found that the worker had been subjected to direct discrimination and harassment on the grounds of his race and that Rolls-Royce had failed to take adequate.

Factors that affect the amount of compensation for discrimination

The amount of compensation for discrimination in the UK is not fixed and will depend on the circumstances of each case. Several characteristics can affect the amount of compensation awarded, including:

• The type and severity of the discrimination: Direct discrimination is usually considered more severe than indirect discrimination, and harassment is often considered more severe than other types.
• The impact on the individual: The tribunal or court will consider how the discrimination has affected the individual regarding their emotional well-being and financial situation.
• The duration of the discrimination: Longer periods are likely to result in higher awards for injury to feelings.
• The individual’s financial losses: Financial losses such as loss of earnings, benefits, or pension contributions can also be compensated.

Time limits for making a discrimination claim

If you wish to make a discrimination claim in the UK, you must do so within a specific time limit. In most cases, this is three months less than one day from the date of the discriminatory act. This means you must submit your claim form within three months, less than one day of the last act of discrimination.

Seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is essential if you believe you have been discriminated against. A solicitor or other legal professional can advise you on your rights and the process of making a claim and help you gather evidence and prepare your case. Do visit my blog

FAQs

Can I claim discrimination if the company no longer employs me?

You can still claim discrimination even if the company no longer employs you. The time limit for completing a claim is still three months, less than one day from the date of the discriminatory act, so it is essential to act quickly.

Can I claim compensation for discrimination if the company did not employ me?

You can still claim compensation for discrimination if the company does not employ you. Discrimination can occur in any setting, such as education, housing, or services, and the law protects against discrimination in all areas.

Do I need to have a solicitor to make a discrimination claim?

No, you do not need an attorney to make a discrimination claim. However, it can be helpful to seek legal advice, especially if your case is complex or you need clarification on the legal process.

Can I be victimized for making a discrimination claim?

No, it is illegal to victimize someone for making a discrimination claim. If you are victimized for making a claim, you can make a separate claim for victimization.

Can my employer dismiss me for completing a discrimination claim?

No, it is banned for your employer to dismiss you for making a discrimination claim. If dismissed for this reason, you can make a separate claim for unfair dismissal.

Table: How much compensation for discrimination can I get in the UK

Type of discrimination	Award for injury to feelings	Award for financial losses
Direct discrimination	£900 to £45,600	Unlimited
Indirect discrimination	£900 to £9,000	Unlimited
Harassment	£900 to £45,600	Unlimited
Victimization	£900 to £9,000	Unlimited