The Employment Law & HR Podcast
Race Discrimination & Harassment Case: Episode 49

Is an instruction to only speak English at work discrimination?

A recent discrimination case has been decided by the Employment Appeal Tribunal concerning an instruction to a Russian employee not to speak Russian at work, an interesting case for various reasons.

In this episode I will cover:

  • What the relevant legal provisions are regarding direct discrimination and harassment
  • What is required to bring a claim for direct discrimination
  • What is required for behaviour to constitute harassment
  • Reasons you should proceed with caution with regards to employees who have been employed for less than 2 years
  • Steps you can take to prevent a claim

 Action Points

Ensure that your managers and supervisors have some training and/or knowledge of the requirements of the Equality Act and that they understand that instructions they give to employees can lead to an employment tribunal claim.

Helpful Links

Kelly v Covance Laboratories Limited

UK Business Startup Podcast

 HR Harbour


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Direct download: Episode_49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

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