Although up until recently carers have not been directly protected from discrimination in the workplace, this situation has now changed.
If you are looking after someone who is elderly or disabled, the law – under the Equality Act 2010 – will protect you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities. This is because you are counted as being ‘associated’ with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability.
Direct discrimination is where you are treated less favourably than someone else because you are caring for an elderly or disabled person. This could include your employer:
– Refusing to offer you a job because of your caring responsibilities
– Treating you less favourably because of your caring responsibilities
If you think you are being discriminated against at work because of your caring responsibilities contact Islington Carers Hub or the ACAS Helpline which provides free and confidential employment advice.
LINKS
Islington Carers Hub 