New Religion and Belief Guidance Launched by The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) to Help Prevent Discrimination at Work
Acas has launched new guidance on religion and belief aimed at managers, HR professionals, employees, employee/trade union representatives and job applicants.
The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone because of religion or belief.
The objective of the guidance is to encourage employers to make sure that their workplaces are 'inclusive'. The guidance offers employers advice on how to reduce the chance of religion or belief discrimination happening in the workplace, and understanding how it might still occur and how it should be dealt with if it does happen.
The guide provides an explanation of the law and practical advice including:
- avoiding discrimination during recruitment;
- promotion, training and development opportunities;
- annual leave, breaks and time away from work for religious reasons;
- preventing dress code discrimination;
- talking about religion at work;
- washing and changing rooms; and
- raising and handling complaints.
Acas have also published a note on key considerations for employers to reduce the chance of religion or belief discrimination happening in the workplace and ten myths for employers to consider.