Discrimination & Equality

If you’re being treated unfairly at work because of who you are, you don’t have to put up with it. Discrimination is upsetting, isolating, and often hard to talk about, but you're not alone, and you have rights. We’re here to help you understand your rights, challenge unfair treatment, and secure fair outcomes with clear advice and practical support at every stage. Whether you want to raise a grievance, seek changes, or bring a claim, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

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Your rights under the Equality Act 2010

There are nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010. We’ll explain how the law protects you, employers' duties, what counts as discrimination, and how to act quickly and effectively.

Assessing if you’ve been discriminated against

A review of the facts, documents, and timelines will help determine potential discrimination. We will review and advise on evidence and outline practical next steps tailored to your circumstances.

Understanding types of discrimination

We’ll give clear guidance on direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation in plain English. Including examples, legal tests, and how to protect yourself at work.

Raising a formal grievance

We draft and refine grievances, advise on process and time limits. To help you present a clear, evidence‑backed complaint that protects your position. A well-evidenced grievance gives your employer a chance to put things right.

Requesting reasonable adjustments

We’ll support you in requesting reasonable adjustments for disabilities and help challenge unjustified refusals. We will ensure your employer meets their duty to remove substantial disadvantages.‍

Bringing a Tribunal claim

f it comes to it, we’ll represent you from start to finish, from ACAS Early Conciliation to final hearing. Including drafting claims, evidence preparation, advocacy, and settlement negotiations.

Questions we’re often asked

What’s the time limit for a discrimination claim?

You usually have three months less one day from the last act of discrimination. ACAS Early Conciliation pauses the clock.

Do I have to raise a grievance first?

Not legally, but it’s often a good idea. It can lead to resolution and may affect compensation later on.

What evidence should I keep?

Save emails, messages, notes, policies, witness names, and a dated record of events.

Can I claim while still employed?

Yes. You can bring a claim whether you’re still working for your employer or have since left.

What are reasonable adjustments?

Changes removing substantial disadvantages for disabled workers, like hours, equipment, or duties.

How are legal fees handled?

We’ll talk through the costs upfront. We may be able to offer fixed fees or check if you're covered by legal insurance.

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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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