The protected characteristics, the forms discrimination takes, and the short time limit — how to tell whether what happened to you is unlawful.
The Equality Act 2010 protects nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Discrimination linked to any of these can be unlawful — and, unlike ordinary unfair dismissal, there is usually no minimum service requirement.
Direct discrimination, indirect discrimination (a neutral rule that disadvantages a group), harassment, and victimisation are all covered, as is a failure to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee. The same facts can give rise to more than one claim.
For employment discrimination, the usual tribunal limit is six months less one day where the act complained of is on or after 1 October 2026, and three months less one day for earlier acts. A continuing course of conduct can affect the relevant date. Notify ACAS for early conciliation in time; it pauses the clock and affects the final filing date. Confirm the applicable transition rules and exact deadline with ACAS or a solicitor promptly.
It may be, if the treatment is connected to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. The Counsel helps you map the facts to the possible forms of discrimination — but whether to bring a claim is a decision to confirm with a regulated adviser.
Usually six months less one day for acts on or after 1 October 2026, and three months less one day for earlier acts. Continuing conduct and ACAS early conciliation can affect the calculation. Check which act and transition rules apply and confirm the exact deadline urgently; do not assume that a later incident extends every earlier claim.
No. Unlike ordinary unfair dismissal, discrimination protection under the Equality Act 2010 applies from day one and even to job applicants.
The Counsel is an AI tool for England & Wales. It provides legal information, not legal advice, and does not replace a regulated solicitor. For anything high-value or contested, take advice before you act.
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