09. What you can 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 that has discriminated against you.

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 Disability Rights Commission is an organisation set up by the government to promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities and good practice in the way people with disabilities are treated.

It can also offer legal advice and support, and a conciliation service to deal with disputes between people with disabilities and service providers. You can also get help from:

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

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

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 in this way, 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 discrimination was by a service provider, the Disability Rights Commission may be able to conciliate (help you come to an agreement without using the courts).

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

• loss of earnings; or
• injury to your feelings.