Religious or belief discrimination


The employment service Acas has published updated guidance on religion or belief discrimination in the workplace.


As well as an explanation of the law, it contains practical guidance on a variety of issues including:


• food and fasting;


• talking about religion at work; and


• washing and changing rooms.


This guide primarily offers employers, managers, HR professionals, employees, employee/trade union representatives and job applicants a grounding in how to reduce the chance of religion or belief discrimination happening in the workplace, how it might still occur and how it should be dealt with if it does happen.


While employers and employees can be liable for their own acts of discrimination, employers can also be liable for their employees’ acts.


Acas has also published a factsheet on 10 myths about religious discrimination. They include:


Myth: A request for leave for a religious festival takes precedence over a request for a family holiday. 


Fact: No, religious observance does not necessarily override any other good reason for leave.


Myth: An employee can refuse to do aspects of their job because of their religion or belief. 


Fact: Not if there are good business reasons why they are part of the job, such as being essential duties, and the employer’s decision is proportionate.


www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/a/p/Religion-or-belief-discrimination-key-points-for-the-workplace.pdf

www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1856