Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003

Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003
Statutory Instrument
	SI 2003/1660
Other legislation
Transposes	Directive 2000/78/EC
Revoked by	Equality Act 2010
Status: Revoked
Text of the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 is a plank of

Directive 2000/78/EC and complement similar measures on sexuality, age, disability, race and gender discrimination. The EU Directive in turn is similar to legislation passed in the United States

.

The Regulations have been revoked by, and the substantive provisions included in, the Equality Act 2010.^[1]

Provisions

The main provisions of the regulations are to make direct and indirect discrimination against an employee or potential employee on the grounds of religion unlawful. They also make it unlawful to discriminate by way of victimization, or to harass an employee on grounds of religious belief. The regulations also extend to cover providers and of vocational training in relation to those undergoing training for any employment, and to those acting as employment agencies and giving careers advice.

There are exceptions for genuine occupational requirements, for national security, and for positive discrimination for overcoming disadvantages pertaining to adherents of a religious belief or to encourage religious adherents to take advantage of opportunities for work.

A special clause protects Sikhs from requirements pertaining to the wearing of safety helmets.