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29-07-2009

No legal protection for promoting religious beliefs at work

A social worker was sacked because he gave a bible to a client despite the Council’s prohibition on promoting religious beliefs at work. His dismissal was not unfair and he was not discriminated on grounds of his religion or belief. The reason for his dismissal was that he tried to impose his religious views on his client, not the religious belief itself.

To ensure that the needs of all staff are taken into account, employment policies should make clear that:-

• Religious discrimination by any employee is unacceptable and will be treated as misconduct; and
• The imposition by any employees of his or her own views (including religious views) on colleagues or others is unacceptable and may also be treated as misconduct

If you need advice on employment policies, please contact us – we would be pleased to discuss them with you.

Contacts:

Employment Department

Raj Dhokia: r.dhokia@fgdlaw.co.uk
Martin Fine: m.fine@fgdlaw.co.uk

Chondol v Liverpool City Council [2008]