An initiative of the European Union Discrimination QUIZ 1 in 6 Europeans have suffered discrimination in the last 12 months* How much do you know? *Eurobarometer survey 296 on discrimination in the European Union - Perceptions, experiences and attitudes (July 2008)

An initiative of the European Union 2 1. EU anti-discrimination laws protect you from being discriminated against at work on which of the following grounds? A.Racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief B.Disability and age C.Sexual orientation

An initiative of the European Union 3 1. EU anti-discrimination laws protect you from being discriminated against at work on which of the following grounds? Answer: A, B and C Racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief; disability and age; sexual orientation In 2000 the EU introduced 2 laws (called Directives) to protect people from being discriminated against at work because of their race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

An initiative of the European Union 4 2. EU anti-discrimination laws protect you from being discriminated against in all areas of life on which of the following grounds? A.Racial or ethnic origin B.Disability C.Religion and belief

An initiative of the European Union 5 2. EU anti-discrimination laws protect you from being discriminated against in all areas of life on which of the following grounds? Answer: A Racial or ethnic origin One of the two laws introduced in 2000 (Racial Equality Directive) provides protection against discrimination in all areas of life, such as education, social security and healthcare, on the grounds of race or ethnic origin.

An initiative of the European Union 6 3. A man works in a clothes shop. His colleagues perceive him as gay and constantly make remarks and jokes about him. Is this discrimination? A.Yes, he is being treated unfairly. B.No, its not serious – everyones colleagues make jokes. C.It depends whether the jokes are degrading.

An initiative of the European Union 7 3. A man works in a clothes shop. His colleagues perceive him as gay and constantly make remarks and jokes about him. Is this discrimination? Answer: C It depends whether the jokes are degrading Making derogatory jokes and comments about someones sexual orientation at work is unfair and constitutes harassment. Discrimination because of someones sexual orientation is illegal under EU law (Employment Equality Directive).

An initiative of the European Union 8 4. Imagine now that you also work in the shop. What should you do when you see your colleagues tease the man? A.You laugh along with them – its only a bit of fun. B.You ignore the situation, hoping it will just go away. C.You offer your support to the man.

An initiative of the European Union 9 4. Imagine now that you also work in the shop. What should you do when you see your colleagues tease the man? Answer: C You offer your support to the man Although its sometimes easier to ignore the situation, if you see someone being discriminated against he/she may need your support – for example, you should encourage him/her to speak to your manager, or offer advice where to go for information such as your national equality body, a NGO, or a trade union.

An initiative of the European Union A woman in her 60s works in a sales company with a team of colleagues in their 20s and 30s. The team, including the manager, often goes out socialising but don't ask her along. She finds out that they discuss work issues during those trips and feels left out. Is this discrimination? A.Yes, the woman is being treated unfairly. B.No, its normal that people of a similar age socialise together. C.It depends on the specific issues being discussed.

An initiative of the European Union 11 Answer: A Yes, the woman is being treated unfairly Discrimination at work against someone because of his/her age is illegal under EU law. Even if unintended, the woman is being treated unfairly. Her manager should find other occasions to discuss work issues with the whole team during working hours. 5. A woman in her 60s works in a sales company with a team of colleagues in their 20s and 30s. The team, including the manager, often goes out socialising but don't ask her along. She finds out that they discuss work issues during those trips and feels left out. Is this discrimination?

An initiative of the European Union A disabled man works for a manufacturing company. However, the company moves to a site which he cannot access due to his disability. He explains this to her employer but no solution is found so he loses his job. Is this discrimination? A.Yes, his employer needs to ensure that he can continue working. B.No, its not his employers fault that he has a disability. C.It depends if his employer tried to find a solution.

An initiative of the European Union 13 Answer: C It depends if his employer tried to find a solution Discrimination at work against someone who has a disability is illegal under EU law. An employer needs to make an effort to ensure that a disabled person can work as an ordinary employee would. If the employer could show that they had made a reasonable attempt to provide access to the building but still it was not possible, then this would not be discrimination. However, if they had not considered the disabled workers needs, then this would be discrimination. 6. A disabled man works for a manufacturing company. However, the company moves to a site which he cannot access due to his disability. He explains this to her employer but no solution is found so he loses his job. Is this discrimination?

An initiative of the European Union A Muslim woman gets a job in a cafe. However, on her first day she is told she is not allowed to serve customers as she wears a headscarf and her boss thinks that this doesnt fit with the cafes image. Is this discrimination? A.No, the owner can decide who serves customers. B.Yes, she is being treated unfairly. C.It depends what kind of cafe shes working in.

An initiative of the European Union 15 Answer: B Yes, she is being treated unfairly Discrimination at work because of religion is illegal under EU law (Employment Equality Directive). The fact that the woman wears a headscarf should not mean that she is treated differently from other employees. 7. A Muslim woman gets a job in a cafe. However, on her first day she is told she is not allowed to serve customers as she wears a headscarf and her boss thinks that this doesnt fit with the cafes image. Is this discrimination?

An initiative of the European Union A woman is refused entry to a nightclub because shes told the club is for "members only". Yet, a short while later, her 2 friends who have a different skin colour are allowed in, even if they are not members either. Is this discrimination? A.Yes, stopping someone from entering a nightclub due to his/her skin colour is illegal. B.No, the owner is free to decide who can enter his/her club. C.It depends how the woman and her friends were behaving.

An initiative of the European Union 17 Answer: A Yes, stopping someone from entering a nightclub due to his/her skin colour is illegal Discrimination because of someones race or ethnic origin is illegal under EU law (Racial Equality Directive). The laws cover not only employment but also other areas including access to goods, services and housing. In this case, the clubs owner is denying equal access to the service that he/she provides to the public. 8. A woman is refused entry to a nightclub because shes told the club is for "members only". Yet, a short while later, her 2 friends who have a different skin colour are allowed in, even if they are not members either. Is this discrimination?

An initiative of the European Union If you feel discriminated against, who can you turn to for help? A.Your trade union B.Your national equality body C.An NGO working on discrimination issues

An initiative of the European Union If you feel discriminated against, who can you turn to for help? Answer: A, B and C Your trade union; your national equality body; an NGO working on discrimination issues If you think you have suffered discrimination, you could contact your trade union or an NGO working on discrimination issues who will be able to inform you about your rights under anti-discrimination law. National equality bodies for the promotion of equal treatment irrespective or gender, race or ethnic origin also exist in most EU Member States. These bodies, which often also deal with discrimination based on religion, age, disability and sexual orientation, will help advise you on your rights and how to make a complaint if necessary.

An initiative of the European Union 20 Help and Advice If youre suffering discrimination contact your national equality body: UK Equality and Human Rights Commission Helplines: England Scotland Wales Equality Commission for Northern Ireland Enquiry line: Ireland Irish Equality Authority Helpline: Malta National Commission for the Promotion of Equality Tel:

An initiative of the European Union 21 Trade Unions can offer information and advice. European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) For information and resources on discrimination and diversity visit Help and Advice

This presentation has been produced as part of the EU-wide For Diversity. Against Discrimination. information campaign. Organised by the European Commission's Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the campaign aims to raise awareness of discrimination and the EU laws which exist to combat it, and to promote the benefits of diversity. © European Commission/JPH Woodland; van beek images