Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination and harassment claims
Discrimination and harassment at work can have a serious and lasting impact on individuals and organisations. Employees are entitled to work in an environment that is safe, fair, and free from unlawful treatment, while employers have a legal duty to prevent discrimination and address complaints appropriately and promptly.
Discrimination can arise in many forms, including treatment based on protected characteristics such as age, sex, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender reassignment. Harassment may involve unwanted behaviour, comments, or conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, or degrading working environment.
These issues can occur at any stage of employment, including recruitment, promotion, day-to-day workplace interactions, disciplinary processes, or dismissal. In some cases, problems arise from a single incident, while in others they develop over time through repeated behaviour or a failure to address complaints.
Employees who experience discrimination or harassment may be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal. Employers, meanwhile, may face legal risk if they have not taken reasonable steps to prevent or address unlawful conduct, including having appropriate policies, training, and complaint procedures in place.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we advise both employees and employers on discrimination and harassment issues. We help employees understand their rights, assess whether they may have a claim, and guide them through the process of raising concerns or pursuing legal action where appropriate.
We also support employers in managing complaints, responding to claims, and putting in place practical measures to reduce risk and ensure compliance with employment law.
Our aim is to resolve disputes in a fair and constructive way wherever possible, while protecting our clients’ legal position and helping to maintain respectful and compliant workplaces.
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We are very satisfied with the service provided by Darren Kelly and his team. EFN will be our ‘go to’ firm of solicitors for all legal matters in future.
Darren Kelly
Director and Head of Dispute Resolution
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Experienced employment law specialists – handling discrimination and harassment claims for both employees and employers
Balanced, practical guidance – focusing on realistic outcomes and legal compliance
Expert across the East Midlands providing nationwide coverage – accessible, responsive support
Comprehensive approach – from internal procedures to tribunal representation
We combine legal knowledge with practical understanding of workplace dynamics, ensuring disputes are managed efficiently and effectively.
Meet the team
Darren Kelly
Darren is the Head of our Dispute Resolution team and has over 20 years’ experience in Dispute Resolution. Darren qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after reading Law and undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the University of Sheffield. He worked for a time as a legal clerk before joining Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 1998…
Ben Bourne
Ben Bourne is one of our directors and works within our Commercial Litigation and Charity Law departments. Ben is a member of the Charity Law Association and has also served on a number of Charity Trustee Boards.
Dylan Stanway
Dylan is a Solicitor in the Litigation department at our Ripley office. Dylan Studied LLB Law undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. He then completed the Legal Practice Course in the first intake at the University of Law in Nottingham. Dylan lives in Beeston and enjoys running in his free time, especially in Wollaton…
01773 744 744
Dylan.Stanway@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Dylan Stanway is based at our Ripley Office.
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Charlotte Price
Charlotte qualified as a Solicitor in 2025 having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023. Prior to that, she studied LLB Law at the University of Nottingham, graduating in 2022 with a first. She then completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. Charlotte provides advice on a range of civil disputes…
0115 972 5222
Charlotte.Price@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Charlotte Price is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. These include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender, pregnancy, or maternity
- Race, ethnicity, or nationality
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation or gender reassignment
- Marital or civil partnership status
Harassment is unwanted conduct linked to a protected characteristic that:
- Violates an individual’s dignity
- Creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment
Discrimination and harassment can be direct or indirect, and may occur between colleagues, managers, or third parties interacting with the workplace.
Employees facing unfair treatment, harassment, or discrimination often feel isolated or unsure how to proceed. We support employees to:
- Assess whether the treatment constitutes unlawful discrimination or harassment
- Navigate internal grievance procedures effectively
- Gather evidence and document incidents
- Consider mediation or alternative dispute resolution
- Bring Employment Tribunal claims where necessary
- Seek compensation, remedies, or corrective actions
Our step-by-step guidance ensures employees understand their rights, avoid procedural mistakes, and pursue claims confidently.
Employers must act proactively to prevent discrimination and harassment, respond to complaints fairly, and manage legal and reputational risk. We assist employers to:
- Develop policies, procedures, and training programs that comply with employment law
- Respond to internal complaints promptly and fairly
- Investigate allegations thoroughly and impartially
- Defend claims in tribunal or settlement contexts
- Minimise potential financial and reputational exposure
By providing clear guidance, we help employers maintain staff morale, ensure compliance, and create workplaces that are inclusive and safe
If you are an employee experiencing discrimination or harassment, or an employer seeking to prevent or respond to claims, our team provides practical, expert, and legally robust guidance.
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us
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