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This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland
There are laws against discrimination on racial grounds. Racial grounds include colour, race, nationality and ethnic/national origin. Discrimination can come from anywhere. It could be a colleague, department supervisor, your manager or your employer. Discrimination does not have to be proven as intentional - the fact that it has taken place is enough for action to be taken.
If you feel that an employer is treating you unfairly, there are a number of steps to take. If you think you are being treated less favourable than others due to your colour, race, nationality or ethnic/national origin, the first thing to do is to find out if other colleagues are receiving similar treatment. You should also ask your colleagues if they have noticed your less favourable treatment. Find out if anyone is willing to stand by you. If you can, try to speak personally to person who has been discriminating against you and ask them to stop or warn them that you will complain officially.
If things do not improve, talk to your union if you are a member, and, if need be, raise a written grievance with your employer. Keeping a record of events, dates and times of the discriminatory behaviour will help you if you need to do this, as your grievance should be as detailed and accurate as you can make it. The grievance should be signed and dated, and you should keep a copy. It is likely that you will be met with vigorous denials by the person you are accusing and you may have to prove that your allegations of racial discrimination are serious.
If you do not get satisfaction through your initial actions, the final step would be to take the case to an Employment Tribunal. You will need some advice and support to proceed further, for example from an organisation like the Equality and Human Rights Commission or a trade union. If you wish to take the case to an Employment Tribunal, you must apply within three months of the date of the last discriminatory act, although this time limit may be extended if you have raised a written grievance.
For more information about discrimination at work, see Basic rights at work. In England, Wales and Scotland, see also What can I do if my employer treats me unfairly because of my race in Discrimination fact sheets.
For more information about unfair dismissal because of discrimination, see Dismissal.
For more information about procedures you must follow when you make a complaint about discrimination at work, see Dealing with grievances, dismissal and disciplinary action at work.
For more information about race discrimination and sources of help, see Taking action about race discrimination.
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