Religious Clothes

Burquas and Crosses…

A recent judgment from the European Court of Justice has empowered Employers with the right to ban religious clothing and symbols in the workplace.

This power has always existed where there has been a Health and Safety issue and an employee might be putting themselves or others in danger when wearing clothes that are inappropriate for the job in question.

Yet Article 9 of the Human Rights Act quite clearly provides all European citizens with the right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Discriminating against this fundamental right of religious freedom has meant that employers have been reluctant to dictate what an employee can or cannot wear.
Discrimination is of course to be avoided and is still not allowed, however the new ruling does allow employers to adopt a neutral dress code for their employees and can ban religious, political or philosophical attire.

Blog by John Newcomb Director of Maidstone based Sahota Newcomb Scott Solicitors