Understanding Victimisation at Work
Speaking up about unfair treatment should not make you a target. If you have been treated badly because you raised a complaint or supported a colleague, this is victimization at work, and it is unlawful.
Our team of employment law experts protects employees who have done the right thing. We support clients remotely, helping you stop the unfair treatment and secure the compensation you deserve.
- Understand your legal protection against victimization at work
- Challenge unfair treatment, such as being ignored or denied promotion
- Claim compensation for financial loss and injury to feelings
- Protect your career and your reputation
- Get expert advice remotely, without facing your employer alone
Protecting Those Who Speak Up
It takes courage to report discrimination or support a colleague who has been harassed. You should be protected, not punished. Yet, many employees find themselves labelled 'troublemakers' or sidelined. With over 4,000 five-star reviews, Winston Solicitors is the trusted ally for employees who refuse to stay silent.
Victimisation at work claims are powerful because they hold employers accountable for creating a hostile environment. These types of claims fall under the Equality Act 2010 therefore compensation is uncapped. Tribunal data highlights that successful claims routinely result in substantial financial penalties for employers, with average awards for underlying discrimination and retaliation themes frequently exceeding £30,000 to £50,000.
We offer a confidential, remote service. You can discuss your situation with our experts via video or phone, ensuring you have strong legal backing to challenge the behaviour.
I have recently worked with Samira… and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service I received. From the very beginning, they were both professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to explain every step of the legal process in clear and understandable terms, and their attention to detail and genuine care for achieving the best possible outcome truly stood out. 10 out of 10!
Joanne, Client
What Is Victimisation at Work?
Victimisation at work happens when you are treated badly ('subjected to a detriment') because you have done a 'protected act'.
A protected act includes:
- Making a complaint about discrimination or harassment
- Giving evidence or information to support someone else's complaint
- Alleging that your employer has breached the Equality Act
- Intending to do any of the above
Examples of Unlawful Treatment
Victimisation at work can take many forms. It might be obvious, like being denied a promotion or training opportunity because you are seen as 'difficult'.
It can also be subtle, like being excluded from meetings, ignored by colleagues, or receiving a bad reference after you have left. If this treatment is linked to your complaint, it is unlawful.
How Our Employment Law Experts Can Help
We help you draw a line. We prove the link between your 'protected act' and the bad treatment you are receiving.
Employers often use performance to justify behaviour that amounts to victimisation. We look at the timeline and the evidence to show the real reason: retaliation. We fight to ensure you are compensated for the stress and career damage caused.
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment
Taking Action Against Victimisation at Work
We support you through the process of challenging the behaviour.
- Record Everything: Keep a diary of incidents - what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Seek Advice: Contact us early. We can assess if the treatment meets the legal definition of victimisation at work.
- Formal Grievance: We help you draft a grievance to formally raise the issue with your employer.
- Settlement: If the relationship is broken, we can negotiate a confidential exit package.
- Tribunal Claim: If necessary, we represent you in court to claim compensation.
Winston Solicitors was recommended to me by a friend, and I now know why. Samira supported me during a difficult time and made everything feel manageable. She’s extremely knowledgeable, efficient, and great to work with. I felt supported throughout the process. I’d happily return if I needed help again and will be recommending Winston Solicitors to others. A fantastic team!
Ahroob, Client
Retaliation is subtle but damaging. We know how to spot it and how to prove it to a tribunal.
Samira Cakali, Head of Employment Law
Stop the Retaliation
You shouldn't be punished for speaking the truth. Call our team on 0113 320 5000 for confidential support.
We are here to protect your rights and your reputation.
No. You are protected even if the original discrimination complaint turned out to be unfounded, as long as you made it honestly and in good faith.
Yes. If a former employer gives you a bad reference because you previously complained about discrimination, this is post-employment victimisation and is unlawful.
Yes. You strictly have three months minus one day from the act of victimisation to start a claim (this is expected to be extended to six months from 1 October 2026 for acts which take place on or after 1 October 2026). Do not delay.
No. Dismissing someone for raising a discrimination complaint is automatically unfair and constitutes victimisation. You would have a very strong claim.
Yes. You can bring a claim against the specific individuals who are treating you badly, as well as your employer for failing to stop them.
