If you’re a manager, you didn’t sign up to be a lawyer. But like it or not, your day – to – day actions can open the door to discrimination claims – claims that don’t just affect your employer, but you personally. 

Yes, really. Under the Equality Act 2010, individuals can be personally liable for discriminatory acts at work.

Let’s break it down.

Wait – Managers Can Be Personally Sued?

Yes. The Equality Act allows employees to bring claims not just against the business, but against the individuals who carried out or allowed discriminatory behaviour. That includes:

• Line managers
• Team leads
• Senior leadership
• Even colleagues

If you:

• Ignore a complaint
• Make a discriminatory comment
• Apply rules inconsistently
• Fail to act when you see unfair treatment

…you could be facing personal liability in a tribunal.

“But I Didn’t Mean It…”

Intent doesn’t always matter. Many managers end up in hot water over what they thought were harmless jokes, dismissive comments, or even body language. (Remember our post: When a Sigh Becomes Discrimination? That wasn’t exaggeration.)

In the eyes of the law, it’s the impact, not the intent, that counts.

Common Scenarios That Cause Legal Trouble

• Using performance reviews to penalise someone after they raise a complaint
• Making “banter” about gender, race, or age
• Unequal enforcement of dress code or lateness policies
• Allowing harassment to continue because “it’s just how they are”

Each of these could trigger a discrimination or victimisation claim. And if you haven’t had proper training? That won’t be an excuse.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Team

• Get trained in your legal duties under the Equality Act
• Document all disciplinary or performance conversations fairly
• Encourage reporting and act on complaints quickly
• Don’t ignore red flags – even subtle microaggressions can escalate

Learn the Basics – Easily

You’re not expected to be a legal expert – but you are expected to know the basics. Our CPD Anti-Discrimination e-learning course teaches standards of behaviour and acts as business insurance, training is a successful defence in tribunal.

• Clear guidance on Equality Act responsibilities 
• Realistic case studies and scenarios, written by award-winning lawyers 
• Tools to recognise and handle risk appropriately 

And it takes less than an hour to complete. Protect yourself and your business – enrol now for £29.