Religious Freedom, Religious Discrimination and the Workplace - by Lucy Vickers (Paperback)

About the Book

Considers the protection of religious interests in the workplace and establishes a basis for determining the scope of religious freedom at work.

Book Synopsis

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. This 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 UK/EU 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. The book 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.

Review Quotes

"...a thoughtful and comprehensive book which will be of value to all of us...who teach and work in the field of employment law." --Law and Justice - The Christian Law Review, No. 163

"The book looks at such issues as the nature of religious freedom, discrimination based on religious interests, the extent to which such interests deserve protection at the workplace, and the guidance offered by international instruments such as the European Convention on Human Rights. Although the work is UK-centred, there are some comparative perspectives included, notably from the United States, Canada and the rest of Europe." --The Commonwealth Lawyer, Vol 17, No 2

"...scholarly, informative, interesting, and thought-provoking...Vickers has written a highly informative book that provides great detail about the subject. She offers the reader nuanced and dense discussions of the issues, and while some readers may find the legal arguments and explanations complex, the informed reader with an interest in the subject will welcome the elucidation and clarification of many fine points...an informative and welcome addition to the literature on this important subject." --Law and Politics Book Review

"This work is a comprehensive overview of the topic with some extremely useful material, particularly in the early chapters. The author's style is concise and accessible, which will render this book useful to academics, students and practitioners both within and without the law, although they may wish to read it alongside a more recent discussion of the relevant case law." --Ecclesiastical Law Journal

"...a thoughtful and wide-ranging survey, enhanced by a useful section on comparison with other jurisdictions...It is not possible within the confi nes of a book review to do justice to the rich and fascinating range of arguments propounded in this work." --Industrial Law Journal, Vol. 38, No. 2

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.