Do your green views count as “Philosophical Belief”?

Mr Nicholson claims to have a strongly held philosophical belief about climate change, the environment and the need to cut carbon emissions.  He claims it is: "not merely an opinion but a philosophical belief which affects how I live my life including my choice of home, how I travel, what I buy, what I eat and drink, what I do with my waste and my hopes and fears."

As such, Mr Nicholson has brought a number of claims of discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief arising from his redundancy (Nicholson v Grainger PLC).  The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations provide protection on grounds of religion and "philosophical belief". 

An employment tribunal has now held that this does fall within the definition of philosophical belief for the purposes of the Regulations.  A full employment tribunal hearing will take place in June. 

If you have any concerns about the possibility of an employee bringing an Employment Tribunal case against you, contact us