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Work · the UK
Updated September 2026

🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRC (0808 800 0082) is the equality body for the UK: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Your trade union (TUC) (tuc.org.uk) represents you; Acas (0300 123 1100) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstEquality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRC
Report toYour trade union (TUC)
If that failsAcas

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRC."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
  2. Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
  3. Equality body: Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRCFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
  4. Union: Your trade union (TUC)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
  5. DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRC for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRCAdvice on discrimination under the Equality ActDiscrimination at work, housing, services📞 0808 800 0082🔗 www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Your trade union (TUC)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.tuc.org.uk/join-union
AcasFree advice, early conciliation before a tribunalWithin 3 months less a day of the unpaid date📞 0300 123 1100🔗 www.acas.org.uk
Acas early conciliation → Employment TribunalUnfair dismissal claims: Acas within 3 months less a dayWithin 3 months less one day of the dismissal📞 0300 123 1100🔗 www.acas.org.uk

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) / EHRC the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “discrimination at work who to contact the UK”
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  • “pregnancy discrimination work”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛑Harassment at work→⚖️Unfair dismissal→💼Unpaid wages→🧾Client won't pay→

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