The Anonymous Widower

Religion In The Workplace

I think yesterday’s judgement on the cases brought at the European Court of Human Rights is a sound one.

I think it is fair to say, that if you do a desk job, crosses, head scarves, turbans and other symbols are more of less irrelevant.

But when health and safety might be involved it’s another matter. So for instance  a nurse shouldn’t wear a big dangly necklace, whether it is a cross or not!

I remember that when I started in industry, quite a few scientists and engineers used to wear bow ties, as a normal tie might get in the way of what they were doing. It probably isn’t so common now, but then jobs are more keyboard-based.

I know that has nothing to do with religion, but the same principle of safety should apply.

As to people ending up in jobs that are against their religious beliefs, like the Registrar, who wouldn’t officiate in civil partnerships, then the law is the law and unfortunately for them, they must either change their employment or come to an accommodation with their employers.

January 16, 2013 - Posted by AnonW | News | Employment, Law, Religion