Workplace Law Magazine is available only to Premium Members of the Workplace Law Network. Produced 10 times each year, it is distributed in hard copy format in the first week of the month, and is also available online.
Religious beliefs: should employers cater for all faiths?
Is it the employer's responsibility to cater for all employees' faiths in the workplace? And if the answer is yes, then what, exactly, constitutes a religious belief?
Unfortunately, religion isn't an issue employers can just brush off - whether or not you view your own faith, if you have one, as important. Because to some, religion is the single most significant area of their lives, dictating the way in which they go about everything they do and influencing their views.
And aside from the moral duty to respect others' choices, under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, employers have a legal duty not to discriminate against employees on the grounds of religious beliefs.
It is a complicated area and there appear to be no straightforward answers. It seems the only way to avoid discrimination on the grounds of religion is to ask employees about their beliefs and practice requirements - but then, the question itself could lead to claims of discrimination!
Legal calendar
Upcoming legislative developments, consultations, conferences, training, publications and important diary dates for the six months ahead.
Letters
Readers share their views on the legal matters affecting their workplaces.
Which of these is a religious belief?
Should religion be left at home along with the other choices employees make about the way they live their lives?
New guidance from Workplace Law
The Employment Law Update: Special Report offers comprehensive, authoritative guidance to new and forthcoming employment legislation.
A vicarious pleasure
Much of the legislation governing work in 1973 and before would not make sense in today's workplace, says David Sharp.
Know your health and safety body
Geraint Day of the Institute of Directors says that finding your way around the health and safety system can be like a tour of the land.
Not everybody can see this
Kelly Mansfield investigates the grey area created when disability discrimination crosses with health and safety legislation.
Sounding off
Employers may need to look again at the issue of noise in the workplace under new regulations coming into forec next year.
Exploiting the possibilities
Migrant workers are cheap, hard-working and set high standards. What part are you playing in their exploitation?
Case law
Important cases breaking the news this month, with comment and guidance from the legal experts.
Technical update
Comprehensive legal guidance on freedom of information, vibration at work and asbestos management.
Clinic
Workplace Law's panel of legal advisors answer your management queries.
Analysis
Research reveals employers don't understand the meaning of business continuity.
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