Are you ready for the new Regulations which outlaw discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief?
The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 come into force on 2 December 2003 and organisations should be preparing for them by training their staff and reviewing their equal opportunities policies.
The Regulations prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief in employment and vocational training which includes:
- offering employment;
- employment terms and conditions;
- access to self-employment and occupation;
- vocational guidance and training.
Religion or belief is defined as any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical belief. It has been left open for the Employment Tribunals and other courts to interpret what this actually covers. The Department for Trade and Industry's website states that this does not include any philosophical or political belief unless it is similar to religious beliefs. It also states that being a fanatical supporter of a particular football club, or being a supporter of a particular political party because of strongly-held political views, is not included.
There are limited exceptions to discriminating on the grounds of religion,
religious belief or similar philosophical belief.
ACAS have produced draft guidance on their web site in order to give
Employers some practical guidance on how to implement the new Regulations.
Amendment Regulations are also currently being consulted on specifically
in relation to occupational pension schemes. This consultation is to
end on 10 October 2003 if you want to pass your thoughts on for consideration!
Useful web site addresses:
For more information concerning the above, please contact Carol Shaw.
Carol
Shaw
Partner
25 September 2003
