Race Discrimination Claims

Being discriminated against because of your race is against the law. It can also leave you feeling upset, embarrassed and angry.

If you have suffered race discrimination, our expert discrimination solicitors can help you;

1. Bring those responsible to justice
2. Create lasting change so other do not experience the indignity you have, and
3. In some cases, claim compensation

What is Race Discrimination?

Race discrimination happens when you’re either;

1. Treated unfairly, or
2. Placed at a disadvantage

Because of your colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins.

Discriminatory treatment could be a single act, or a result of a policy or rule based on race. It is unlawful, regardless of whether it is deliberate or unintentional.

How is Race Defined?

Under the Equality Act 2010, race means colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins.

Race also refers to ethnic and racial groups which can also comprise of more than one racial group. Examples include;

• White and Black Caribbean
• White and Black African
• White and Asian
• Any other Mixed / Multiple ethnic background

Someone could discriminate against one or more aspects of your race. For example, if you were born in Britain but of Jewish decent, you could face discrimination because you are British (nationality) or because you’re Jewish (origin).

Types of Racial Discrimination

There are four main types of racial discrimination you could face.

Direct Discrimination

This is when someone treats you worse than someone in the same or similar position because of your race.

A taxi driver refusing a journey to a person of Indian origin.

Indirect Discrimination

This happens when an organisation or company has a rule or policy that puts your racial group at a disadvantage.

For example, if a bank were to refuse entry to customers who wear a face covering, this would disadvantage women who wear a burqa.

Discrimination By Perception

This happens when someone treats you unfairly because they think you belong to a racial group.

For example, a landlord refusing to let their property to a person because they believe that they are a Romany Gypsy.

Discrimination By Association

When you are discriminated against because you are with, or someone you know belongs to a certain racial group.

An example of this could be if you’re refused entry into a pub because you’re with an Irish Traveller.

Who Can I Make a Claim Against?

You can make a racial discrimination claim against any business or organisation that provides a service to the public.

 This includes;

• Shops and retail stores
• Restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Gyms and activity centres
• Leisure and travel companies
• Educational institutions like universities
• Public and private transport companies
• Private healthcare providers and the NHS
• Private clubs and memberships
• Local authorities
• Councils, and even
• Central government

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim For Race Discrimination?

You only have six months to make a claim for race discrimination.

Because the time limit is so short, you need to seek legal advice as soon as you can.

How to Make a Claim

If you have experienced discrimination because of your race, you may be able to make a claim.

Contact us today and we will;

1. Take the details of your complaint, and
2. Ask you to provide any supporting evidence

Evidence for racial abuse includes;

• Supporting documents – these could be copies of letters, emails, text message, voicemails or even videos.
• Witnesses – if anyone saw what happened, we could use their statements in evidence.
• Your own words – sometimes you can’t document when discrimination happens. It could be part of a conversation for example. In cases like these, we may be able to use your statement as evidence.

Why Choose Ringrose Law?

Our team of experts have represented clients in all kinds of discrimination cases. Some involving single acts, others involving policies that discriminate against thousands of people.

We see, every day, how discrimination leaves people feeling embarrassed, upset and angry.

If you have suffered the indignity of racial discrimination, we can help. Not only to claim compensation, but also to create the change needed so no one has to feel like you do.