Under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 it is illegal for individuals to be subjected to less favourable treatment on the grounds of their religion or belief.

Religion or belief is described within the legislation as being any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief. It will be for the Employment Tribunal and Courts to decide whether a particular belief is covered by the Regulation, however philosophical and political beliefs will not be covered unless they are similar to religious beliefs.

The Regulations outline four unlawful activities:

• Direct discrimination. This occurs when an individual is treated less favourably than others because of their religion or belief.
• Indirect discrimination. This is where a criterion, provision or practice is in place which disadvantages people of a particular religion or belief, unless it can be objectively justified.
• Harassment. Harassment is defined as conduct which violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them.
• Victimisation. This occurs when an individual is subjected to less favourable treatment because they have made or intend to make a complaint or allegation of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief.

For further information contact our team or your usual contact in the firm.