Avoiding Discrimination In The Workplace - Top Tips & Problem Solving

Introduction

Imminent and future proposed amendments to discrimination legislation mean it is more important now than ever to understand how to avoid discrimination in the workplace, and to be able to demonstrate as an employer you have taken all reasonable steps to avoid discrimination occurring - and for legal representatives to be able to advise on the same.

This virtual classroom seminar will provide a refresher on key aspects of discrimination claims; look at employer defences; discuss practical steps which can be taken to avoid discrimination including in the recruitment process; provide an overview of changes to discrimination law to be brought about by the Employment Rights Act 2025; and consider practical case study scenarios and discuss tips and problem solving in real-time.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• A refresher on key aspects of discrimination claims, including:
• Protected characteristics
• Types of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 (“prohibited conduct”)
• An overview of who is protected, and who is liable
• A look at defining disability, for the purposes of EqA 2010
• Employer defences:
• Objective justification (showing conduct is a “proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”, and so not discriminatory)
• Avoiding vicarious liability (by reason of having taken “all reasonable steps” to avoid the discrimination)
• Practical steps an employer can take to avoid discrimination in the workplace, including in the recruitment process, thinking as well about:
• AI and discrimination in the workplace
• The public sector equality duty
• A look ahead:
• An overview of changes to discrimination law to look out for soon, brought about by the Employment Rights Act 2025
• Other proposed updates to follow
• And finally, a look into some case studies:
• Considering practical scenarios, discussing tips and problem solving in real-time

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.