Discrimination & Equality at Work: Protecting Your Rights with Orpen Franks
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee or prospective employee is treated less favourably than another person in a similar situation based on specific protected characteristics. In Ireland, the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotion, pay, and dismissal. If you believe you have been unfairly targeted or excluded, seeking advice from a specialist employment law solicitor is the first step toward achieving justice.
Under Irish law, there are nine protected grounds for discrimination: gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the Traveller community. Discrimination can be direct (e.g., being told you are “too old” for a promotion) or indirect (e.g., a company policy that applies to everyone but puts a specific group at a disadvantage). It also covers harassment and sexual harassment, which are defined as unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity.
Employers have a legal obligation to prevent discrimination and must provide reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, unless doing so would impose a disproportionate burden. If an employer fails to address discriminatory behaviour or penalises an employee for raising a complaint (known as victimisation), the affected individual can bring a claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Why Choose Orpen Franks Solicitors LLP?
At Orpen Franks, our dedicated employment law team provides expert, confidential advice to those facing discrimination at work in Ireland. We understand that these cases are often complex and deeply personal. We help you gather the necessary evidence, such as emails, comparative data, and witness statements, to build a robust case.
Our balanced perspective is a significant advantage; because we advise both employers and employees, we understand how companies defend equality claims and where their procedural failures typically lie. We use this insight to hold employers accountable and, where possible, negotiate a favourable settlement agreement to resolve the dispute without a public hearing.
Orpen Franks has a proven track record of success in equality and discrimination claims. If you feel you have been treated unfairly due to your age, gender, disability, or any other protected ground, contact Orpen Franks Solicitors LLP today. Speak with a leading employment law solicitor to protect your rights and ensure equality in your workplace.
Discrimination & Equality at Work FAQ's
Under the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015, it is illegal to discriminate against an employee or job applicant on any of the following nine protected grounds: gender, civil status (marital status), family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the Traveller community. Discrimination at work can occur in recruitment, pay, promotion, training, working conditions, or dismissal. If you believe you have been treated less favourably because of any of these characteristics, you may have grounds for an equality claim at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Direct discrimination occurs when you are treated less favourably than another person in a comparable situation because of a protected characteristic; for example, being refused a promotion explicitly because of your age or gender. Indirect discrimination happens when a workplace rule or policy applies to everyone but puts people with a particular protected characteristic at a disadvantage, and the employer cannot objectively justify it. Both forms of discrimination in the workplace are unlawful under Irish employment law, and our employment solicitors can help you identify which applies to your case.
Yes. If the WRC or a court finds that you have been discriminated against, you may be awarded compensation for the effects of the discrimination, including financial loss, injury to feelings, and distress. There is no statutory cap on awards in certain discrimination cases, unlike unfair dismissal claims. The WRC/court can also order other remedies, such as reinstatement or an order requiring the employer to take specific action. At Orpen Franks Solicitors LLP, we help clients assess the strength of their equality claim and pursue maximum compensation.
Check your employer’s Equality and Diversity policy or Dignity at Work policy and consider raising a formal grievance. You must lodge a claim with the Workplace Relations Commission within six months of the last act of discrimination, so early legal advice is critical. Our Dublin-based employment law solicitors can guide you through the internal process, help you gather evidence, and represent you in negotiations or at a WRC hearing.
