April 12, 2011
The majority of organisations operating in Britain have dress code policies in place that reduce the possibility of employees launching harmful discrimination claims on the grounds of impinged religious beliefs.
In 2010, the UK media was awash with stories of employees having their religious beliefs marginalised by employers, especially with regard to religious garments. In one major case, a female employee for British Airways argued that she was being discriminated because her employers banned the wearing of a crucifix necklace during her shifts.
And now, according to an Xpert HR survey for Personnel Today’s, a staggering 89% of all organisations that impose a dress code in the UK have also taken measures to ensure they are not seen as discriminatory against certain groups.
The study involved examining the policies of 269 different firms and also found 33 per cent of these are flexible insofar as they permit requirements relating to religion or belief.
"It is helpful to consult with employees or their representatives when drawing up a dress code to get an indication of any potential issues," said author of the study, Charlotte Wolff.
Whether you’re an employer looking to impose a similar dress code, or an employee who feels your beliefs are being unfairly treated, seeking legal advice is of paramount importance. Contact our solicitors today and we’ll see how we can help.
