What is discrimination?

Discrimination means treating a person unfairly purely on the basis of who they are or because they possess the following characteristics; age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It is imperative for employers to have clearly defined appropriate policies in place, such as, equal opportunities policy, grievance policy and a bullying and harassment policy. These policies should outline how they prevent discrimination and bullying within their recruitment process and during employment, the steps they have in place in dealing with any discrimination or bullying concerns or issues raised, and educating all their employees on their individual roles in preventing discrimination and bullying in the workplace.