Archive for the ‘Sexual Orientation Discrimination’ Category
By Nicky - Monday, July 28th, 2008
A research project by Unite union has shown that it costs employers around £14 billion each year for their failure to address the issue of workplace bullying, which equates to approximately 33.5 million days being lost due to absenteeism! Those that are most at risk of being the targets of bullying are black, minority and ethnic workers.
Therefore, it would appear to be in everyone’s best interests to eliminate workplace bullying. Afterall, a happy workforce will be a productive and efficient workforce, which is a winner for both the employees and the employers!
In order to avoid employees suffering unnecessarily, and employers suffering financially, both parties should be made aware of the dignity at work ethics that are encouraged within the workplace. Where bullying is as a result of a discriminatory reason then this can land the employer in hot water for conduct of employees and third parties in this respect. Employers should ensure that they train their staff on dignity at work. For further information on face to face training or our e-learning on Dignity at Work contact us.
Posted in Age Discrimination, Disability Discrimination, Religion or Belief Discrimination, Sex/Race Discrimination, Sexual Orientation Discrimination | No comments »
Similar Posts:
By Sarah - Friday, July 11th, 2008
You may have heard in the news a case involving a marriage registrar who had worked at Islington Council for 16 years. She refused to carry out same sex marriage ceremonies stating that it was against her Christian beliefs. She brought a claim for discrimination on the grounds that she had suffered harassment and missed promotion opportunities because of her refusal.
As it is an Employment Tribunal decision rather than an Employment Appeal Tribunal decision, the facts are sketchy as they have not been officially reported. I understand however, that she was suspended for the refusal. The Tribunal ruled in her favour and accepted her argument that this amounted to discrimination. You can find out more here.
What is particularly interesting about this case is that it comes on the back of a series of other cases which have made the news about discrimination on the grounds of religious belief. You can read some previous examples here. This case succeeded where others have failed. It may be because the refusal was deeply seated in the religion rather than other cases such as the right to wear a cross to work at BA which arguably is not so deeply seated.
Another interesting point is that although the Claimant was arguably discriminating against members of the public on the grounds of their sexual oritentation this was okay because she had a religious reason for doing so. Hmm this could be a very interesting debate. Let us have your thoughts.
Posted in Religion or Belief Discrimination, Sexual Orientation Discrimination | No comments »
Similar Posts:
By Sarah - Friday, January 18th, 2008
Equality and Justice group Stonewall have launched the Workplace Equality Index for 2008, which showcases the the UK’s top 100 employers for gay people.
The top employer for 2008 is Nacro, the national crime reduction charity. IBM and Lloyds TSB also made the top 10. You can see the full list here.
The top 100 employers were ranked according to criteria including implementation of effective equality policies to practical demonstration of good practice in recruitment and mentoring and how they engage with lesbian and gay staff, customers and service users.
240 employers entered the 2008 Index and had to obtain a minimum score of 71 per cent to be placed in the top 100. You can apply on Stonewall’s website to become a Diversity Champion here.
Posted in Sexual Orientation Discrimination | No comments »
Similar Posts:
