July 04, 2011
The public’s knowledge of legal protections for religious beliefs and racial discrimination in the workplace has been found wanting, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has revealed.
Evidence within a new EHRC report shows that people’s understanding of their rights around religion or belief is not in tune with recent changes in equality law, such as 2010’s Equality Act, leaving many employers and employees vulnerable to legal action.
The Commission also voiced its concern that those affected by discrimination and marginalisation may not be fully equipped to prevent the abuse of their rights.
"The law we're here to implement recognises that a religious or belief identity is, for the majority of people in Britain, an essential element of being a fulfilled human being and plays an important part in our society,” said Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Trevor Phillips.
"Religion or belief is as much part of our identity as other characteristics such as race, gender, or being a parent. People should not be penalised or treated in a discriminatory way because of it.
“My worry is there are people who may feel they're being treated unfairly because of their faith and who in fact may be being treated unfairly because of their faith but for some reason feel they can't get our support in getting justice.”
