The book considers the extent to which religious interests are protected in the workplace, with particular reference to the protection against religious discrimination provided by the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003. It establishes a principled basis for determining the proper scope of religious freedom at work, and considers the interaction of freedom of religion with the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of religion. Discrimination on grounds of religion and belief within the workplace raises many complex and contested issues, not least because of the multi-faceted nature of religious discrimination. Discrimination can occur where secular employers refuse to employ or accommodate religious employees, as well as where religious groups refuse to employ those of a different religion, or those of the same religion whose interpretation or practice of the faith differs. Adding to the complexity is the fact that freedom of religion is protected as a fundamental human right which may be enjoyed by both religious individuals and religious groups. Although it is not an absolute right, its importance to individuals means that religious freedom may warrant a degree of protection in the work context. The book begins with a study of the basis for protecting religious freedom and considers the extent to which that right should be exercised in specialised context of the workplace. It takes a comparative approach, considering the position in other common law jurisdictions, and within the European Union. It locates the debate surrounding these issues within a philosophical and theoretical framework in which the importance of freedom of religion, and its role within the workplace is fully debated.

About the Author
Lucy Vickers is a Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Legal Research and Policy Studies at Oxford Brookes University.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Religious Discrimination and Religious Freedom at Work I Introduction II Religion in the UK III Experience of Discrimination IV Tackling Religious Discrimination Chapter 2: Seeking a Definition of Religion and Belief I What is 'Religion'? II Defining Belief III Towards a Definition of Religion and Belief Chapter 3: Protecting Religion at Work I Introduction II Why Protect Religious Interests? III Protecting Religious Interests in the Work Context IV The Proportionality Equation: Religion and the Workplace V Conclusion Chapter 4: Freedom of Religion at Work and the European Convention on Human Rights I Freedom of Religion and the Human Rights Act 1998 II Protection of Freedom of Religion Under the ECHR III Freedom of Religion Under Article 9 IV Protection Against Religious Discrimination Under Article 14 V Conclusion 116Chapter 5: Protection Against Religious Discrimination in the UK I Protection Under the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003 II Religious Schools III Protection of Religious Interests Which are Not Protected by the Regulations IV Conclusion Chapter 6: Religious Interests in the Workplace: Comparative Perspectives I United States of America II Canada III Europe IV Conclusion Chapter 7: Religious Freedom at Work I A Duty of Reasonable Accommodation? II Protecting Religious Work III Remaining Difficulties IV Conclusion