From 2 December 2003, when the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief)
Regulations came into force, it became unlawful to discriminate against
workers because of religion or similar belief. The regulations also cover
providers of vocational training. This booklet describes the regulations and
gives guidance on associated good employment practice.
Fairness at work and good job performance go hand in hand. Tackling
discrimination helps to attract, motivate and retain staff and enhances an
organisation’s reputation as an employer. Eliminating discrimination helps
everyone to have an equal opportunity to work and to develop their skills.
Existing legislation protects people against discrimination on the grounds of
sex, race, disability and gender reassignment. From 1 December 2003,
separate regulations to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of
sexual orientation also came into force (see Acas booklet on this or look at
Acas website www.acas.org.uk).
A lot of the good practice in this booklet will be familiar from existing advice
on avoiding sex, race and disability discrimination. The new Regulations
should pose few difficulties in organisations where people are treated fairly
and with consideration.