Discrimination

Workplace discrimination can happen at any stage of employment. Whether it’s in recruitment, performance management, or dismissal, employers have a legal duty to act fairly. We help businesses prevent and respond to discrimination issues under the Equality Act 2010. If a claim is made, the financial and reputational risks are high. Tribunal awards are uncapped and may include injury to feelings and uplifts for procedural failures.

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Discrimination

Equality, diversity, and anti-harassment policies

We write and review clear, compliant policies that meet the Equality Act and reflect the latest case law. These documents help reduce risk, improve culture, and show the steps you’re taking to demonstrate compliance.

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Unconscious bias and lawful decision-making training

Our training for leaders, HR, and wider teams covers fair recruitment, inclusive workplace practices and defensible decisions throughout the employee journey.

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Reasonable adjustments and capability

We advise on disability and long-term health conditions, helping you manage absence or performance issues in a fair and balanced way. We’ll make sure your adjustments are reasonable and proportionate to your operational needs.

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Grievances and disciplinary matters

We can help you investigate fairly, avoid procedural pitfalls, and draft clear letters, and outcomes. We’ll also help you manage risks around victimisation and retaliation.

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ACAS and Employment Tribunal

Representing employers through ACAS Early Conciliation and at Tribunal. From strategy to advocacy, we’ll support you with through the entire claim process.

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Settlement agreements and confidential resolutions

Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements quickly and effectively, allows us to help secure your confidentiality, protect your position, and move on with minimal disruption.

Questions we’re often asked

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Can employers be liable for employees’ discriminatory acts?

Yes. Employers are vicariously liable unless they can show they took reasonable steps to prevent discrimination.

Is there a cap on discrimination compensation?

No. Tribunals can award unlimited compensation, including financial losses, injury to feelings and ACAS uplifts.

How long do claimants have to bring a claim?

Usually three months less one day from the discriminatory act, not counting time spent in ACAS conciliation.

What is the reasonable steps defence?

It means showing you had policies, training, and enforcement in place to prevent discrimination. It can reduce your liability.

Do we have to make reasonable adjustments?

Yes. If an employee has a disability, the law requires you to make reasonable changes to remove substantial disadvantages.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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