Welcome to VERCIDA website.

Skip to main content
Enable Recite to make this website accessible

EHRC: Effectiveness of law on religion and belief

EHRC: Effectiveness of law on religion and belief

The Equality and Human Rights Commission published a major report last week on the effectiveness of the law on religion or belief. The report focuses on four main areas:

  • definitions of religion or belief
  • exceptions in the Equality Act
  • the law protecting employees
  • the law protecting service users and service providers

It provides in-depth analysis of and concludes that the legal framework generally works well, and that no major changes to the current legal framework are necessary. Of particular interest to employers, the EHRC resists calls that they should be required to make “reasonable accommodation” for those whose seek permission to object on the basis of conscience to certain work duties (eg handling alcohol or certain foodstuffs) or from providing services to certain groups of customers or clients (eg those in a civil partnership). The report also dismisses the idea that the harassment provisions of the Equality Act 2010 should be extended to the provision of services.

But, recognising that misunderstanding of the law can lead difficulties, the Commission has also published a new suite of materials for employers which give a straightforward explanation of legal requirements and guidance on handling many of the day-to-day situations with which employers have to deal.

The EHRC has also worked with Acas in the development of new e-learning resources on religion or belief in the workplace. 

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.

Vercida logo

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please email [email protected] for more information.

Business Management Consulting

Thank you for registering on VERCIDA - the leading job site for companies that are passionate about diversity and inclusion.

  • Check out our client profiles to get the latest on their DE&I credentials
  • Look out for client benefits next to all our job specs
  • Sign up for job alerts to keep up to date on new roles as they come in
  • Search 1000s of roles from the biggest brands

Please proceed to the next step. If you are unable to complete the next stage of application please use the contact form HERE.

You will receive an email with link to reset your password.

Enter your new password