Religious symbols to be allowed at work when Cameron changes the law
Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed that he plans to “change the law” to allow the wearing of religious symbols at work, reports employment law specialists Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk).
During Prime Minister’s Questions earlier this month, David Cameron was referred by Conservative MP David Davis to the case of Nadia Eweida, the former British Airways employee who was sent home for wearing a religious crucifix. Davis asked Cameron, “On 4 September, the European Court of Human Rights is hearing the case of Miss Nadia Eweida, the lady who lost her job at BA for wearing a crucifix as a mark of her Christianity. The behaviour of BA in this was a disgraceful piece of political correctness. So I was surprised to see the Government is resisting Miss Eweida’s appeal. I cannot believe that the Government is supporting this oppression of religious freedom in the workplace, so what are we going to do about this sad case?”
While British Airways stated that Nadia Eweida’s wearing of a crucifix on a chain around her neck breached the company’s dress code, Miss Eweida claimed her sending home on that basis was religious discrimination and harassment and as such took the case to employment tribunal. Miss Eweida has so far been unsuccessful in both employment tribunals and the Court of Appeal but is soon to have her case heard at the European Court of Human Rights. The case will be watched with interest by those in HR support given the consequences for company policy when it comes to the wearing of religious symbols.
In response to David Davis’ question, Cameron stated, “I fully support the right of people to wear religious symbols at work; I think it is absolutely a vital religious freedom. What we will do is, if it turns out that the law has the intention, as has come out in this case, then we will change the law and make clear that people can wear religious emblems at work.”
Some employment law specialists have expressed concern about whether changing the law in this way will allow employees to express their religious beliefs in ways other than their dress, and if so, the difficulties this would pose for employers.
If your company would like advice on this or any other employment issue, then why not find out details of the employment law services offered by Employee Management Ltd at http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk.
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