LRD guides and handbook August 2024

Law at Work 2024

Chapter 11

Dismissal for manifesting offensive political opinions

[page 279]

Someone who is dismissed for simply holding political opinions may have a claim for unfair dismissal and freedom of expression rights under Article 10, European Convention on Human Rights. In addition, some political beliefs may be protected by the Equality Act 2010 (see page 201).

No length of service is needed for a claim for unfair dismissal where the reason or main reason for dismissal is or relates to an employee’s “political opinions or affiliation” (section 108(4) ERA 96; Redfearn v The UK [2012] ECHR 1878).