First religious discrimination claims decided

Two recent employment tribunal decisions are among the first made under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.

The first case saw Mohsin Mohmed lose his claim against Virgin Trains for religious discrimination and unfair dismissal after he claimed he was continuously asked to shave his beard, but refused to do so for reasons relating to his religion. The tribunal accepted the employer's argument that the real reason for his dismissal was poor performance.

However, the claimant in the second decision successfully argued that he had been discriminated against when he was dismissed following extended leave to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. His applications for leave were ignored and, when he took the time off anyway, he was suspended on his return and later dismissed. The tribunal awarded Mohammed Sajwal Khan the sum of £10,000.

  • Bearded train worker loses religious discrimination claim   Personnel Today reports.

  • Worker wins religious discrimination case  and Discrimination for religious beliefs can cost the employer £10,000 
    • Personnel Today reports.

    Also

    Mecca pilgrim wins first religious discrimination case   IRS journal Equal Opportunities Review reports.

    Religious discrimination victory is a wake-up call   By Sue Nickson of Hammonds, writing in Personnel Today.

    Employers slow to act on new equality laws   One year on from the introduction of legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and religion or belief, IRS research indicates that employers are making slow progress on the new laws.

    Majority of UK Muslims want time to pray at work   A study has found that some 88% of Muslims want workplaces to accommodate Muslim prayer times as part of their working day.

    Religion or belief discrimination   HR & Compliance Centre's employment law reference manual offers extensive guidance on how to comply with the legislation outlawing discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief.

    How to comply with the law on religion or belief discrimination   Practical guidance from HR & Compliance Centre's How to service.

    Accommodating religious observance: Bereavement; Clothing/appearance; Dietary restrictions; Prayer/worship From HR & Compliance Centre's quick reference section.

    Religious festivals 2005:
    Chinese religious festivals and anniversaries 2005
    Hindu religious festivals and anniversaries 2005
    Islamic religious festivals and anniversaries 2005
    Jewish religious festivals and anniversaries 2005
    Sikh religious festivals and anniversaries 2005