Over one million of people are discriminated in the UK every year for their faith and belief. The Equality Act 2010 protects workers from any type of discrimination due to their religion or faith. 

This protected characteristic divides into two areas: 

  • Religious belief 
  • Philosophical belief 

A discrimination claim can be made regardless of the length of continuous employment. 

Discrimination is unlawful throughout the entire recruitment and employment process, from when a job position is advertised to beyond the termination of employment, including referencing. For this reason, we have prepared guidance on the most helpful organisations and charities that can provide support if you believe that you are being discriminated due to your faith or belief.  

Acas

Acas is an independent public body supported by the government. Its purpose is to improve organisations and working life through several media. 

Acas provides free and impartial advice to employees and employers on employment rights, conflicts at work and best practices. They offer several online training and webinars as part of their mission to make work life better for everybody in the United Kingdom. 

One of their main objectives is related to equality and diversity and consists of improving standards of fairness towards underrepresented ethnic groups.  

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdome that give free, confidential information and advice to support people with a variety of problems. 

Guidance and instructions in the matter of discrimination due to faith and belief are widely available on their website. You will be able to learn more about different types of discriminations related to this specific protected characteristic and also what to do if you think you are being discriminate against.  

The Runnymede Trust

Runnymede is striving to make all citizens and communities in the United Kingdom feel valued. They are an independent charity who base their democratic dialogue on evidence from accurate research and analysis.  

Their aim is to assist policymakers, citizens, employees, and employers, in order to minimise the risks of our society being drawn into extremist behaviour and thinking. Most part of their work involves the protection of people who are discriminated because of their beliefs.  

Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI)

SARI is a community-oriented agency that provides advice and support to victims of hate. Most of SARI’s members of staff have directly experienced hateful behaviour and all their team have immaculate understanding on the subject. 

They are confident to provide online and over the phone advice. If you live in the South West of the UK and are being discriminated because of your religion or your belief, you will be able to report a hate crime directly on SARI’s website. 

The Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

The EASS is a government funded helpline that assists individuals on diversity-related issues, across England, Wales, and Scotland. 

The EASS also accepts referrals from other organisations and charities which are unable to provide face to face advice to local users of their services due to lack of funding.