The Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said in mid-September that nobody should feel forced to decide between their faith and their job.
He made the comments at the launch of a guide by a national group representing British Jews, which aims to help employers understand their beliefs and the needs of Jewish staff.
Mr Duncan Smith said the guide for employers could make ‘all the difference’ if companies made ‘straightforward adjustments’ to accommodate religious beliefs. He said it would be a ‘travesty’ to deny people the opportunity to work just because of their religion. He said: ‘Nobody should feel they have to choose between their faith and their job. And certainly nobody should be harassed, bullied, or intimidated at work because of their religion.’
However
A consultation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission earlier this year found widespread discrimination against Christians in UK workplaces. Christians of varying denominations reported being mocked for their beliefs at work, being passed over for promotion and feeling under pressure to keep their faith quiet at work.
Other responses included parents saying their children are ridiculed for their faith at school and business owners feeling ‘in turmoil’ about behaving in ways that might breach equality laws. Around half thought better legislation is needed to provide adequate protection for those with religious beliefs.
