Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
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Religion Discrimination
Religious discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or differently in the workplace because of their religion, religious beliefs or lack of religion. This type of discrimination is prohibited under the Equality Act 2010. The law protects individuals from being discriminated against based on nine protected characteristics, including religion or belief.
Types of Religious Discrimination in the Workplace
- Direct Discrimination: happens when someone is treated less favourably because of their religion or belief. For example, if a candidate is not hired because of their religious beliefs, this would constitute direct discrimination.
- Indirect Discrimination: occurs when a workplace policy or practice applies to everyone but disadvantages people of a certain religion or belief. For instance, a requirement that all employees work on weekends could indirectly discriminate against those who observe religious practices on those days. This is unless the employer can justify it as a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
- Harassment: involves unwanted behaviour related to religion or belief that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. For example, making derogatory comments about someone’s religion could be considered harassment.
- Victimisation: occurs when someone is treated unfairly because they have made a complaint about religious discrimination or supported someone else’s complaint.
DPH can navigate the legal complexities of religious discrimination cases, ensuring that your rights are upheld and that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Religion Discrimination at Work
If you believe you have been a victim of religious discrimination at work, we can assist you in several ways:
- Legal Advice: We can assess your situation and advise whether your experience qualifies as religious discrimination under UK law.
- Filing a Claim: We can help you file a complaint with your employer or assist in bringing a claim to an Employment Tribunal. This often involves following the correct procedures, such as using the Acas Early Conciliation service before a tribunal claim can be made.
- Gathering Evidence: We can help collect and organise evidence that supports your case, such as emails, witness statements or records of discriminatory practices.
- Negotiation: Often, disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. DPH Legal can represent your interests in discussions with your employer to reach a settlement. This might include compensation or changes to workplace policies.
- Representation at Tribunal: If your case proceeds to an Employment Tribunal, a lawyer can represent you, arguing your case and helping to secure a favourable outcome.
- Protection from Retaliation: We can also advise and protect you from any retaliatory actions by your employer, which could themselves constitute victimisation.
Religious discrimination cases can be complex. Get in touch so we can help ensure your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome.
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