Work and Employment
Sexism at Work: What Is It, How to Spot It & What to Do About It
Summary
If you are being treated differently at work because of your gender, it can be incredibly upsetting. You might be targeted with derogatory comments, or have been consistently overlooked for promotions despite being the most suitable candidate. You may want to smash the glass ceiling and force equal pay from your employer. We’ll explore various type of sexism at work throughout this article and explain when you may have a claim for compensation against your employer. This article is a guide to help employees in the UK understand their rights relating to sexism at work under employment law, what to look out for, and the actions you can take. * The effects of sexism in the workplace * Examples of sexism at work * What occupational sexism is * What employers can do about sexism at work * How to report sexism at work * How sexism and gender inequality relate * The law on workplace sexism Sexism is simply treating someone different because of their gender. Someone may also be treated unfavourably because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. More people are becoming increasingly aware of the difference between sex and gender, however despite this, in anti-workplace.
Key information
- The effects of sexism in the workplace
- Examples of sexism at work
- What occupational sexism is
- What employers can do about sexism at work
- How to report sexism at work
- How sexism and gender inequality relate
- The law on workplace sexism
- Restricting participation – this could be something as seemingly simple as a person not being invited to drinks after work or women’s ideas not being considered or taken seriously
- Gender pay gap – if a women is paid less than a man for doing the same job when both have the same level of experience, this is discrimination and an example of sexism at work
- Being overlooked for a role – when a woman is overlooked for promotion or a new role and an under qualified man takes the role, this is a prime example of sexism at work
- Mansplaining – is a phenomenon when a man explains something to a woman in a condescending way or implies that a women won’t be able to understand the concept because it is too complicated
- Women expected to perform gendered work – you might hear people use the term ‘women’s work’ - this is a sexist idea where women may be expected to make coffee, act as secretaries or clean the office
Practical guidance
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Sources
This is signposting information from the Legal Shaman wiki, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor for your situation.