Main Content Area

Religion & Belief

Equality Act 2006 – Religion or Belief

The Employment Equality Regulations December 2003 offered protection against discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief in the workplace.

With the addition of the new powers granted by the Equality Act 2006, it has now become unlawful (subject to certain exemptions) to discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief in the following areas:
    

• The provision of goods, facilities and services,
• The disposal and management of premises,
• Education
• The exercise of public functions.

Employers should be aware that these Regulations extend beyond the more well known religions and faiths to include beliefs such as Paganism and Humanism. The Regulations also cover those without religious or similar beliefs.