Racial Discrimination at work: Understand your rights and take action
Being treated differently at work because of your race, ethnicity, or nationality can leave you feeling angry, isolated, and powerless. Whether it is being overlooked for opportunities, facing offensive comments, or being excluded from your team, race discrimination is not just unacceptable, it is against the law.
At Valla, we help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, raise a grievance, and take your case forward if needed. You do not need a solicitor to start making your voice heard.
Take action against race discrimination at work
- Free account to access document templates and legal tools
- Legal case review (Merits Assessment) for £149
- ET1 Tribunal support from £96
- Grievance letter and case-building templates included with paid accounts
Ask a UK legal expert about race discrimination
Find out where you stand with the race discrimination issues you're dealing with at work. Talk to a UK legal expert to understand if your issue has potential legal claims, so you can make a plan to resolve it.
What is Race Discrimination and Why It Matters
What is age discrimination?
Race discrimination at work is when you are treated less favourably because of your race, ethnicity, nationality, or skin colour. It is illegal under the Equality Act 2010.
There are four main types of race discrimination you might face at work:
Direct race discrimination
This is when you are treated less favourably because of your race. For example, if you are repeatedly passed over for promotion while less qualified colleagues of a different race are promoted, that may be direct discrimination.
Indirect race discrimination
This happens when a workplace policy or rule applies to everyone but puts people of a certain racial or ethnic background at a disadvantage. For instance, a company policy requiring only ‘native English speakers’ for a role that does not actually need it may unfairly exclude applicants from certain ethnic backgrounds.
Racial harassment
This is when you experience unwanted behaviour related to the protected characteristic of race that makes you feel humiliated, offended, or intimidated. This could include jokes, comments about your name or appearance, or being singled out in meetings because of your ethnicity.
Race victimisation
Victimisation occurs when you are subjected to punishment for standing up against discrimination. For example, if you report racial discrimination or support a colleague who has raised a grievance about discrimination, and because of this you face adverse actions such as being sidelined, demoted, or denied opportunities, that is victimisation. Victimisation can also occur where the employer believes you may stand up against discrimination, even if you have not taken action to do so yet.
Why it matters
Discrimination and harassment can damage your confidence, career progression, and mental health. But they are also unlawful. You have the right to speak up, raise a grievance, and take legal action if necessary. Valla gives you the tools to take those steps with confidence.
Take action against race discrimination in 5 Steps
You do not need a lawyer to start challenging race discrimination at work. Valla helps you take practical steps with legal tools designed for people representing themselves.
Step 1: Record what is missing
Use Valla’s timeline tool to document incidents of discrimination or harassment, including dates, people involved, and what was said or done.
Step 2: Gather evidence
Save any emails, messages, HR responses, or policies that show unfair treatment or exclusion. This evidence will support your grievance or legal claim.
Step 3: Raise a grievance
Use our grievance letter template to raise a formal complaint and give your employer a chance to respond.
Step 4: Try ACAS Early Conciliation
If your complaint is not resolved, you must go through ACAS Early Conciliation before making a legal claim. This is a free step to try and resolve the issue.
Step 5: Submit a Tribunal claim
If needed, Valla helps you complete your ET1 claim form and Particulars of Claim, including optional legal coaching to review your documents.
Valla gives you a clear way to take action. We help you document what has happened, raise a formal grievance, and if needed, start a Tribunal claim to get your money back.
Why use Valla for race discrimination claims
Challenging race discrimination at work can feel overwhelming, especially if you cannot afford a lawyer. Valla gives you the structure, tools, and guidance to act with confidence.
What you get with Valla:
What people say about Valla
“I was tired of being the only one left out of key projects. Valla helped me raise a clear grievance and get a formal response.”
- Naomi, York
Frequently Asked Questions about race discrimination
What is race discrimination at work?
It is unfair treatment because of your race, ethnicity, colour, nationality, or national origin. This could include exclusion, missed promotions, racist comments, or biased policies.
What is direct race discrimination?
This is when someone treats you worse than a colleague of a different race in a similar situation. For example, if your manager gives better opportunities to colleagues of a different background without reason.
What is indirect race discrimination?
This happens when a company policy seems neutral but puts people of a certain ethnic group at a disadvantage.
What counts as racial harassment at work?
Jokes, insults, comments, or behaviour related to your race that make you feel offended, humiliated, or excluded can count as harassment.
Can I raise a grievance about race discrimination?
Yes. A grievance is a formal way to tell your employer about the discrimination and give them a chance to address it. Valla provides a template to help you do this.
What should I include in my grievance letter?
You should clearly explain what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and why you believe it was discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Do I have to go to court to take action?
Not always. You must first go through ACAS Early Conciliation. Many issues are resolved at this stage, but you can go to Employment Tribunal or settle before ACAS Early Conciliation if needed.
How much time do I have to bring a race discrimination claim?
You usually have three months less one day from the last discriminatory act to begin ACAS Early Conciliation. You then have at least another month after you get your ACAS Early Conciliation certificate to submit your ET1.
Can I claim compensation for race discrimination?
Yes. You may be able to claim for injury to feelings, financial losses, or other damages depending on your case.
Do I need a solicitor to take legal action?
No. Valla helps you build and manage your case yourself, with templates and legal coaching if needed.
Stand up to race discrimination with Valla
You have the legal right to work without being judged or excluded because of your race. Whether you are facing discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, Valla gives you the tools to respond with confidence.
Start building your case today, no legal background required.