Religion and Belief Equality
What the Law Says
At work, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against
you because of your religion or belief. However, there is no law
covering discrimination on these grounds in other situations.
"Religion or belief" is defined as "any religion, religious
belief or similar philosophical belief". It does not, however,
include philosophical or political beliefs unless they are similar
to a religious belief.
Through the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations
2003, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate in a number of
ways. These will include all stages of the employment relationship
including in recruitment, promotion, the terms and conditions of
employment and in dismissing.
The Regulations cover direct discrimination, which is 'less
favourable treatment' on the grounds of religion or belief. They
will also provide protection from harassment and victimisation on
grounds of religion or belief. In addition, they prohibit indirect
discrimination, which means imposing or requiring any practice
that, although of general application, puts members of one religion
or belief at a particular disadvantage. For example, a requirement
that all employees must work on a particular day which could or
should not be adhered to by a religious group would put members of
the group at a disadvantage and could amount to unlawful religious
discrimination.
Contacts
If you have been discriminated against, harassed or abused
because of your religion or beliefs, there are a number of options
open to you:
- In an emergency, dial 999. If there is no immediate danger, you
can report the incident to the Hate Crime team at the West Mercia
Police on 08457 444888, or call into any police station. The
Police will take your complaint seriously, and thoroughly
investigate it.
- Report it to the Hate Incidents Partnership for Wyre
Forest via the Community Safety Officer on 01562 732928 who
can help in a variety of ways:
- offer free and independent advice
- direct you to the appropriate networks.
- The Equality and Human
Rights Commission can provide support and advice. Contact them
on 0845 604 6610 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm), e-mail info@equalityhumanrights.com
- The Citizens Advice Bureau can give
you advice about what to do. In some cases, they may also be able
to give you legal assistance and help you to bring your case before
a court or tribunal.