Law on religion working well but misunderstandings create confusion: watchdog

Misunderstandings of the law on religion and belief have led to misinterpretation and confusion, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said.

In its new review of religion and belief law, it found the relevant law generally worked well but unhelpful myths had grown up around it.

Commission chair David Isaac said: “There are a lot of myths that have arisen due to misunderstanding of legal requirements.

“Employers' actions shouldn’t be governed by a fear of causing offence.”

Isaac said new guidance from the EHRC would help managers and businesses reach decisions, approach sensitive discussions and navigate their way through the issues involved.

The guidance highlights the importance of thinking ahead when designing policy, for example on different religious approaches when dealing with bereavements.

It offers advice on common questions such as holding office Christmas parties, whether an employer is obliged to allow employees time off to pray during work hours, wearing of religious symbols, catering for dietary requirements and requests not to work on certain days for religious reasons.

The EHRC has also worked with the conciliation service ACAS and the Trades Union Congress to prepare online training for line managers and union representatives on managing religion and belief at work.

Mark Smulian