Dismissal (discrimination) 

This section provides general information on employment law. If you have specific questions, you should seek legal advice from a lawyer or trade union.

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The information in this section of the Diversity Toolkit has been compiled by Croner, an organisation providing information, advice and support in the areas of employment, health and safety and environmental compliance. 

Principles of fair treatment, consistency and non-discrimination apply to dismissal as much as to any other situation in the workplace.

For example, if an employer dismisses someone for gross misconduct, this may be right and appropriate in the circumstances. However, if there is evidence that employees of a different racial group or gender have not been, or would not have been, dismissed in comparable circumstances, this would be an act of discrimination.

To ensure that employers make correct and fair decisions in relation to dismissals, it is important that they go through a full and proper procedure for each dismissal or disciplinary action.

For more information, see Discipline and dismissal.