09. Discrimination because of your religious beliefs

There is currently no law to protect you if you are discriminated against because of your religious beliefs. though new laws come into force in December 2003 which will make discrimination at work because of religion or belief illegal. Until then, you may still be able to bring a claim under the Race Relations Act if you are discriminated against because of your national or ethnic origin, as well as your religion (for example, if you are Muslim and Pakistani). For more information about bringing a claim under the Race Relations Act, see the Community Legal Service leaflet, 'Racial discrimination'.

At work, your employer may have their own equal opportunities policy which covers religious discrimination. If they do, and they don't follow it, they could be breaking your contract of employment and you could bring a claim either through an employment tribunal or through the courts.

If you think you have been sacked or made redundant unfairly because of your religious beliefs, you can also take a case of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal or to court under the Employment Rights Act (see 'Going to an employment tribunal'). If you are a public-sector employee (you work for the Government or a local council, for example) you may also have a claim under the Human Rights Act (see 'The Human Rights Act').