10. What can you do about discrimination

If you have been discriminated against, first think about what you want to be done. Depending on how you were discriminated against, you may want:

• your job back;
• compensation;
• an apology; or
• a clear sign that an organisation won't discriminate in the same way in future.

Whatever you want, it is usually best to first try to sort out the matter with the person or organisation who has discriminated against you (your employer, or the service provider, for example).

If complaining in this way doesn't get you what you want, you may be able to take your case to:

• an employment tribunal if it is about a job; or
• the county court.

The Commission for Racial Equality is an organisation set up by the government to promote racial equality. It can advise and help you if you have been discriminated against because of your race.

You can also get help from:

• your union if you have one (if it is about a job);
• your local law centre;
• a Citizens Advice Bureau; or
• your local Racial Equality Council.
• a solicitor or adviser displaying the Community Legal Service logo.
  

See 'Further help' for how to contact these organisations.

The Commission for Racial Equality can sometimes give you legal help to take your case to court, so that you don't have to pay a solicitor to do this for you. To get this, you need to apply on a special form, available from the Commission for Racial Equality. If they cannot give you legal representation, they can put you in touch with other agencies or solicitors who may be able to help.

If your case is about discrimination at work, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) may also be able to help. It can try and help you come to an agreement with your employer (about a promotion or compensation, for example) without you having to go to a hearing. If you cannot come to an agreement with your employer (or former employer), you can still take your case to an employment tribunal. However, there are time limits for doing this (see 'Going to an employment tribunal').

If the tribunal or court rules that you have been unlawfully discriminated against, it can award you compensation for:

• loss of earnings or other financial loss; or
• injury to your feelings; or
• personal injury caused by the discrimination.