October 23rd 2003PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate PublicationNorthamptonshire REC to assist people complaining of religious discriminationIn the light of new regulations which outlaw religious discrimination at work and in vocational training, the Board of Directors of Northamptonshire REC at its meeting on October 9th agreed to revise its casework policy to enable casework advice and assistance to be given to individuals complaining of religious discrimination, so long as the discrimination complained of is likely to contribute to the reduction of racial inequality and/or to disproportionately benefit minority ethnic/racial groups.The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 will, from 2 December 2003, outlaw discrimination in employment and vocational training on the basis of religion or other belief. Religion or belief is defined as "any religion, religious belief, or similar philosophical belief", which appears to include fringe religions and cults and could include political beliefs. The limits will need to be defined by the courts. There are exemptions where being of a particular religion or belief is a genuine occupational qualification for a post in an organisation which has an ethos based on religion or belief, or where being of a particular religion or belief is a genuine and determining occupational requirement for a post in a non-ethos based organisation (regulation 7). Positive action provisions (regulation 25) allow people of a particular religion or belief to be given preferential access to training or to be encouraged to apply for particular work, where such action prevents or compensates for disadvantages linked to that religion or belief. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has advised employers to be aware that anything that offends against a religious belief or practice could breach the law. This could include, for example, requiring all staff to shake hands with visitors or clients, or not having non-alcoholic drinks available at a work event. The regulations and explanatory notes are at www.www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2003/20031660.htm. ACAS has published draft guidance at www.acas.org.uk/art13.html. It should also be noted that new regulations will come in on December 1st in respect of discrimination in employment on grounds of a person’s sexual orientation.
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