Political belief in the workplace

In 2012, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decided that the United Kingdom was in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights in failing to provide a remedy for individuals dismissed because of their political beliefs (Redfearn v The United Kingdom (Application No.47335/06)). In response to this finding, an amendment has been made to section 108 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 so that from 25 June 2013, no service is needed for a claim for unfair dismissal where the reason (or the main reason) for the dismissal is or relates to the employee’s “political opinions or affiliation”. This does not mean that an individual can no longer be dismissed for holding odious or extreme political beliefs. Instead it means that such a person cannot be dismissed without first being given a hearing and the chance to present their case. For more information see Chapter 10: Dismissal.

Northern Ireland already has laws prohibiting discrimination on grounds of political beliefs.