Paras Mercioniu
Employment Advice
Why Employers Need a Reflective Response to Employee Beliefs
Recent tribunal judgments on freedom to express gender critical views highlight the growing challenge for employers in safely navigating discrimination in the workplace in the face of increasingly complex social attitudes.
Esther Marshall, specialist in Employment law, said:
“These tribunal cases highlight the growing pressure on employers to keep pace with both the law and changing attitudes across society.
“Employers are undoubtedly finding it increasingly difficult to deal with complaints where an employee’s beliefs conflict with those of their organisation, other staff or customers, and are searching for clear guidelines. But it’s not possible to define in black and white terms as each case is fact sensitive. Having up to date equal opportunities policies is important, but more important is to avoid taking sides without proper review and investigation.
“Perhaps the simplest takeaway is to reflect carefully, recognising that when people voice beliefs they may not fit neatly into a right or wrong category, even though others may find them distasteful or distressing.”