Update: Ethical veganism is a philosophical belief rules ET
Last month we reported that the case of Casamitjana v League Against Cruel Sports was awaiting a hearing at the Employment Tribunal.
That hearing has now taken place with the ET in Norwich finding for Casamitjana that "ethical veganism" is a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.
Whilst some are referring to this decision as a landmark case, it should be remembered this judgment at first instance does not in itself change the law. It does however give guidance for employers as to how other cases relating to ethical veganism might be treated by the ET.
Employers will therefore need to consider how they approach ethical veganism in their workplaces. As an ethical vegan is someone who opposes the use of animals by humans for any purpose, this will extend to uniform, furniture choices (avoiding wool or leather for example), the provision of goods and services - protection could extend further including education and transport.
Employers should be aware and ensure that they have taken adequate advice.
So far as the hearing itself is concerned, the ET now need to decide whether Casamitjana’s employer, the League Against Cruel Sports, treated him unlawfully.
Posted on 01/08/2020 by Ortolan
