Developing people to their full potential
Discrimination in employment practices
07/12/2009
MDN Fusion’s experience is that employers do try their upmost to avoid discrimination in their employment practices. However it is difficult to keep up with developments as legislation is extended and in particular, Case Law adds interpretation and precedent. Sometimes Case Law confuses more than it clarifies. Media headlines recently featured a decision and judicial guidance on what is a “philosophical belief” in respect of religious discrimination. The subject of this was a person’s belief that carbon emissions must be cut to avoid catastrophic global change. Some commentators say that this opens the ‘flood gates’ for beliefs such as vegetarianism. Another recent case featured a police officer who believed that psychics can help police investigations.
Although employers should have regard to the main statutory discrimination provisions, small and medium sized business may lack the specialist HR resources to monitor Case Law.
We are not lawyers at MDN Fusion and our guidance and advice is founded on good HR practice and long and practical experience. That leads us to suggest that employers will not go far wrong by treating employees with respect, dignity and in particular, sensitivity to opinions which might not be widely held.