Hungary: Equal opportunities

Original author: PRK Partners Prague
Updating author: Kinga Zempléni

See the legal services provided by the author of International > Hungary, including any discounts/offers for subscribers.

Summary

• Employers are under a general obligation to observe the principle of equal treatment in employment relationships, and are specifically prohibited from discriminating on various grounds, including gender, race, nationality, disability, sexual orientation and age. (See General)
• There are several exemptions from the general prohibition of discrimination, notably where there is a genuine occupational requirement that an employee have a particular characteristic. (See Exemptions)
• Harassment is defined as conduct of a sexual or other nature that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, and is prohibited. (See Harassment and sexual harassment)
• Victimisation of employees who complain about or initiate other procedures in relation to a breach of the equal treatment principle, or assist in such a procedure, is prohibited. (See Victimisation)
• Certain forms of positive action, aimed at eliminating inequality of opportunities, are permitted where based on legislation or a collective agreement. (See Positive action)
• Employees and job applicants who believe that they have suffered unlawful discrimination may bring a claim with the Equal Treatment Authority or in the labour or civil courts, seeking various remedies. (See Remedies and penalties)