Sex discrimination in the workplace

Sex discrimination cases are often well publicised in the press and there has been a lot of coverage recently around the 'gender pay gap' and women gaining equality (or not) in the workplace

Figures released recently showed that claims related to equal pay and sex discrimination had fallen in the last year, while claims related to redundancy issues have risen.

Is this a sign that employers are at last addressing discrimination issues in the workplace? Or does it just show that employees are less keen to bring about discrimination claims in the current turbulent market due to a fear of 'rocking the boat' and ending up next in line for redundancy?

One can never be sure. But it always pays to understand your rights and know what to do when faced with discrimination:

Legislation

There are various rules which protect you against workplace discrimination. Three of the most important are:

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975
This far-reaching Act protects both men and women against workplace discrimination on the grounds of sex, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and gender reassignment. It covers nearly all workers (including temporary and agency workers) and all aspects of employment.

The Equal Pay Act 1970
This important piece of legislation was a victory for women's rights groups in the 1970s and gives women the right to receive equal pay and benefits to the same level that a man would receive when she is employed to do a similar job or one of equal value.