WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION LEGAL ADVICE
Understand the Nuances of Workplace Discrimination with Legal Advice
If you believe you may have experienced workplace discrimination, legal advice is a valuable tool you should not miss the opportunity to use. The regulations surrounding what constitutes discrimination can be murky and difficult to interpret. For the average person, coming to a realistic determination about your chances of winning any action against your employer is far from easy. Combine that difficulty with the stress that results from discrimination at work. It may sometimes seem more straightforward to simply cut ties and move on, letting the incident simply become a bad memory.
You may be entitled to compensation or a redress of your grievances if your employer engaged in verifiably discriminatory actions. How do you know if that's the case? At PB Employment Law, we are advocates for employees, capable of providing experienced insight into whether you have a case and, if so, how to take your next steps. Have you experienced a possible violation of employment discrimination law?
What is Employment Discrimination?
To understand whether you have a legitimate case for making a claim of discrimination, it is essential to know how New Zealand defines those terms. What actions might constitute discrimination? How can you tell if you should speak to an employee advocate? Here are some fast facts about discriminatory behaviour on the part of employers:
According to New Zealand's Office of Human Rights Proceedings, discrimination occurs when an employer treats you less "fairly or favourably" than another employee in "similar" circumstances. In other words, if your employer shows preferential treatment to another employee of the same type and quality but mistreats you, it may be discrimination.
There are many types of workplace discrimination. Racism in the workplace is a particularly difficult problem to root out, and often creates complicated challenges, especially for immigrants. Age discrimination is a consistent problem as well, with older individuals often finding themselves passed over in favour of younger co-workers.
There are many situations which may constitute discrimination. The complexity of the issue makes professional insight more valuable.
If you are unsure if your case qualifies, we encourage you to contact us anyway. We provide free initial consultations to get the facts about your situation and to let you know if you should come in and see us.
Statistics on Workplace Discrimination You Need to Know
How many people in New Zealand experience some form of discrimination? Is this a widespread problem? One recurring issue is a hesitance among those who've experienced discrimination to press the issue. They may worry about their job security or about how to make ends meet. One thing is certain, however — the statistics say you are not alone.
In 2019, some 300,000 New Zealanders reported experiencing some form of discrimination in the workplace. That translates into a staggering 11% of the entire nation's workforce. That's one in every ten workers. It is clear from this stat alone that the problem is widespread in our economy, but further research reveals more.
According to the same survey, women are more likely to report gender discrimination in the workplace. Likewise, the demographic bracket from ages 45-56 reported high incidences of discrimination, pointing back problems related to age.
Another 2019 survey revealed that almost half of New Zealanders say they believe there has been discrimination in their business place.
Problems with Discrimination at Work PB Employment Law May Help to Address
At PB Employment Law, our goal is simple: assess your case's facts and provide you with insight into if and how you should proceed with lodging a claim. What are some of the primary issues we can help you navigate when you stop by for a conversation with our advocate?
Uncertainty about whether you've experienced discrimination you can prove. Evidence is necessary to make claims, but sometimes an employer's behaviour leaves room for doubt or counterargument. We can help you assess how to proceed.
Concerns about the personal grievance time limit. You must give notice of a grievance within 90 days to be able to pursue a claim. Contact us to determine if you should take such a step.
Concerns about "no fee" advocates. Why should you have to surrender a large portion of any settlement you might receive? We offer a fair price for a fair job instead of reaching into your pockets after the fact.
About PB Employment Law
Founded in 2017 after years of broader legal practice, PB Employment Law today focuses exclusively on helping employees and employers alike navigate the complex domain that is the law governing businesses. With a fair approach to assisting others, our services save time and expense, particularly when the facts of your case are unfortunately not strong enough to proceed. Let us help you determine whether your employer violated the law and your rights as an employee today. Give us a call for a free consult today.