Who is Protected?

The regulation protects all people from religious discrimination – those who have no belief as well as those who have beliefs. There are grey areas for a few on what constitutes a religion e.g. Druids, Pagans and Rastafarians. Whilst the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued guidance it is left to the courts to decide on a case-by-case basis.

The regulation covers all areas of employment: during the recruitment process, in the workplace, on dismissal and, in certain circumstances, after the employment has finished. The rules apply to terms and conditions, pay, promotion, transfers, training and dismissals.

The regulation covers amongst others, all employers, employment agencies, qualification bodies and providers of vocational training. However, there are exceptions and discrimination is allowed in some areas. For example, where there is a genuine reason for an employee to be of a particular religious belief like a priest or perhaps a teacher in a religious school.