According to data obtained by the charity Young Women’s Trust, it is reported that 30% of managers with responsibility for HR and recruitment decisions, agreed that they were aware of instances of young women being discriminated against in the workplace in the past year. The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination and unfair treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic.
The study found that there has been an increase in discrimination faced by women in the workplace, finding that 53% of women interviewed have experienced discriminatory treatment, rising from 42% in 2022. This statistic has increased further for young women from ethnic minorities, reporting that 62% have experienced discrimination at work, up from 44% in 2022.
It is understood that the most reported forms of discrimination include: discrimination on the basis of a long term mental health condition at 30%, age at 28%, and having caring responsibilities at 25%. In addition, it is noted that 28% of young women have reported that they are not given the same opportunities as men, to progress in their organisations.
It is reported that, when asked about the barriers preventing employers from creating a fairer working environment for women, they cite a lack of resources, lack of support from senior management and not understanding best practice.
Employers can take steps to ensure that staff do not face discrimination in the workplace by establishing that any potential discriminatory behaviour is challenged, reported, addressed, and the individual that has been discriminated against is supported.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against or your business is facing allegations of discrimination from employees or indeed customers, and would like to discuss this further, you can contact us on 0161 696 6170 for a no obligation discussion with our specialist team.
The nine protected characteristics are:
- Age
- Gender reassignment
- Being married or in a civil partnership
- Being pregnant or on maternity leave
- Disability
- Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
By Jennifer Wood, graduate paralegal
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