Religion
Religious discrimination legislation has been in place in the UK since 2003, although individuals of religious denominations that are associated with one particular race have been bringing race discrimination claims much earlier than 2003. “Religion or belief” is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
Religious discrimination laws cover direct and indirect religious discrimination, and harassment and victimisation because of someone’s religion.
Any religion is protected under UK equal opportunities laws. This means that, while the majority of claims will be brought by Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jews, it is possible for an employer to face a workplace discrimination from followers of other religions such as Pagans, Spiritualists or Wiccans (Holland v Angel Supermarket Ltd and another). A lack of religion is also covered.
Christian doctor ‘chose’ to leave his job over trans pronoun row
Dr David Mackereth, the Christian doctor who claims he was dismissed for refusing to use transgender pronouns, chose to leave...
Christian doctor sacked for not using preferred pronouns
A doctor has claimed he was dismissed because his Christian beliefs prohibited him from addressing transgender benefit claimants by their...
Top 10 HR questions May 2019: Ramadan, redundancy and references
Many employers will have staff who have been fasting over the last month, as they observe Ramadan.
The most popular...
Proselytising Christian nurse loses second appeal against dismissal
A nurse in Kent dismissed for “preaching” to patients has lost a second appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that...
Christmas in the workplace: 10 common employer queries
During the Christmas period employers face a minefield of HR challenges. How well prepared is your organisation for the festive...
BA crucifix worker accuses employer of harassment in new tribunal claim
The British Airways worker who won a landmark legal claim for the right to wear a crucifix at work has...
Equality and inclusion winners celebrate at the enei 2018 Awards
Croydon Council and ISS UK and Ireland received the overall winner prizes for their inclusion policies at this evening’s 2018...
Employers need to break recruitment traditions to boost diversity
Businesses need to “think outside the box” when recruiting if they want to improve diversity across their workforces – especially...
Five ways to support employees during Ramadan
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan draws to a close this week, Ayesha Salahuddin from PWC looks at how...
Top 10 HR questions December 2017: Workers’ rights post-Brexit
December saw the announcement of an agreement between the UK and the EU on citizens’ rights following Brexit. Employers are...
Six important employment law cases in 2017
The decision by the Supreme Court that the employment tribunal fees system is unlawful may be one of the most...
Ramadan in the workplace: top tips for employers
For many Muslims, Ramadan is a period of religious observance, which includes fasting from sunrise to sunset. Ashok Kanani provides...
Headscarf cases: what now for employer dress codes?
Recent European court judgments have suggested that employers can justify a ban on employees wearing certain religious items. But what...
Ban on religious dress can be justified, says European Court
An employer can justify a ban on religious dress that prevents a Muslim woman from wearing an Islamic headscarf (hijab)...
Religious festivals: five-week holiday rejection not discriminatory
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) upheld a tribunal’s rejection of a claim that a Roman Catholic was not discriminated against...
