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Equality, diversity and inclusionReligious discriminationReligion

Religious discrimination: half of workers believe laws inadequate

by Jo Faragher 12 Mar 2015
by Jo Faragher 12 Mar 2015 EM Welch/REX
EM Welch/REX

Employees feel uncomfortable showing their faith at work and around half would like more legal protection, according to research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The EHRC found that many openly Christian employees were mocked by colleagues and accused of being bigots because of their feelings on homosexuality.

Religious discrimination resources

Religion or belief discrimination

Policy on religious observance during working hours

Four cases of religious discrimination and their effect on business

It also revealed that Jewish and Muslim workers found it hard to get time off work for religious reasons, and that wearing religious symbols or expressing beliefs was often frowned upon.

The study, which surveyed almost 2,500 employers and individuals, is part of a research project looking at whether or not the current laws protecting against religious discrimination are adequate.

Around half of respondents felt the law should provide greater protection for those with a religion or belief.

EHRC received the most responses from Christians, among them complaints that religion was losing its place both in the workplace and in society.

In contrast, some atheists and humanists who responded to the research claimed they had received unwanted approaches about converting to certain religions, or were excluded from company events held in religious buildings.

A teacher responding to the research was told she was not allowed to talk to the children she taught about her pregnancy and encouraged to wear “a pretend wedding ring”. She was also warned she would struggle to gain a promotion in any local school.

Meanwhile, Christian-run businesses said they felt “in turmoil” about behaving in certain ways that might be considered discriminatory.

Mark Hammond, the EHRC’s CEO, said: “What came out strongly was the widespread confusion about the law, leading to some resentment and tensions between groups and anxiety for employers who fear falling foul of what they see as complicated equality and human rights legislation.

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How the law deals with religion and other beliefs in work, in providing services and in public debate, has become a matter of considerable controversy.”

The final report will be published later this year, along with guidance for employers and people who provide services to the public.

Jo Faragher

Jo Faragher has been an employment and business journalist for 20 years. She regularly contributes to Personnel Today and writes features for a number of national business and membership magazines. Jo is also the author of 'Good Work, Great Technology', published in 2022 by Clink Street Publishing, charting the relationship between effective workplace technology and productive and happy employees. She won the Willis Towers Watson HR journalist of the year award in 2015 and has been highly commended twice.

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