Religion or belief discrimination guidance notes

It is unlawful to discriminate or harass prospective, current and former employees, workers, contractors and the self-employed on the grounds of a religion or belief.

 

The Equality Act 2010 ("the EqA") governs acts of discrimination committed on or after the 1 October 2010. The EqA repealed and replaced the Employment Equality (Religion or belief) Regulations 2003, which will continue to apply to tribunal claims in relation to discriminatory acts that took place wholly before 1 October 2010. Under the transitional arrangements the EqA will apply to continuing acts of discrimination that started before, and carried on after, 1 October 2010.

 

Discrimination is a difficult and sometimes emotive area of the law.  We have set out the basic rights and obligations of employees and employers under the EqA, with further information available to managers and HR professionals to help them better understand some of the more complex issues that arise. This includes reference to case law providing practical examples, which remain relevant even where these pre-date the EqA.