Sex discrimination is any less favourable treatment in relation to recruitment, selection, training, promotion, selection for redundancy etc. on the grounds of sex.

It can be direct or indirect, such as when requirements, conditions or practices are imposed that disadvantage individuals of one sex or which fewer people of one sex can meet. For example, a requirement that employees be taller than a certain height would discriminate against women due to the fact that men are, on average, taller.

An employer can legally specify a person of one sex when there is 'a genuine occupational reason' such as, for reasons of decency in a single sex establishment such as a boarding school, or for specific purposes such as modelling or acting.

Anyone who feels that they have been discriminated against may bring a complaint to an employment tribunal within three months of the incidence of alleged discrimination.

No minimum length of service or age criteria apply and a claim can be made while still employed in the position in which the discrimination occurred. There is no upper limit on the amount of compensation a tribunal can award.*

*Source: ACAS

Sexual harassment, as defined by the Equal Opportunities Commission, is unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature and includes:

	indecent or suggestive remarks
	questions or comments about your sex life
	the display of pornography
	the circulation of obscene material (by e-mail, for example)
	inappropriate touching, requests or demands for sexual favours
	any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating working environment.

The EOC recommends that anyone suffering from sexual harassment ake the following steps:

	tell a friend or trusted colleague what is happening
	ask the harasser to stop
	if the problem persists, ask the harasser to stop in writing, explaining that you find their behaviour objectionable
	report the harasser to your employer or trade union.
	Report any harassment early in order to protect yourself and others.

You have a right to expect your employer to take the matter seriously and take steps to remedy the problem, providing you with a harassment-free working environment.

Your employer should:

	take your complaint seriously and stop the harassment
	explain how they intend to deal with it
	speak to the person concerned about their behaviour
	make sure that you do not suffer any reprisals as a result of reporting the sexual harassment

If you are not satisfied with your employer's response, you can take
your complaint to an employment tribunal where it will be heard
under the Sex Discrimination Act.

However, it is important to note that this must be done within three months (less one day) from the date of the last incident of harassment.

The Equal Opportunities Commission can be contacted on 0845 601 5901 or at www.eoc.org.uk.