Research by Crossland found that 24% of employers showed a lack of understanding of Veganism, with many believing it was a dietary choice rather than a genuine ethical belief system.
ASHLEIGH WEBBER: ‘An employment tribunal next month will consider whether ethical veganism should be protected under discrimination law – the result of which could have major ramifications for organisations. Jordi Casamitjana, a vegan activist and animal rights campaigner, will argue that his former employer’s decision to dismiss him amounted to discrimination. He claimed that he lost his job, at animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports, after he informed other employees that its pension fund invested in firms involved in animal testing.
At a hearing at the Norwich Employment Tribunal on 2 and 3 January, he will argue that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and should be protected under the Equality Act 2010. A subsequent hearing in February will consider his employment dispute. Casamitjana said: “I am an ethical vegan. This involves much more than just not eating food with animal ingredients, it’s a philosophy and a belief system which encompasses most aspects of my life.” Casamitjana adheres to a 100% vegan diet, participates in animal protection marches and demonstrations and buys only clothes and products he can be sure are free from animal-derived products or tested on animals.
Slater and Gordon employment lawyer Peter Daly, who is representing Casamitjana, said: “Ethical veganism is a philosophical belief held by a significant and growing portion of the population in the UK and around the world. This case, if successful, will establish that the belief entitles ethical vegans protection from discrimination. The case we have prepared sets out how the belief in principle, and how Jordi’s particular interpretations of it, comprehensively meet the required legal test.”
Earlier this year, research by Crossland Employment Solicitors found that 24% of employers showed a lack of understanding of veganism, with many believing it was a lifestyle or dietary choice rather than a genuine belief in animal welfare or the protection of the environment. The research also considered the experiences of vegan employees in the workplace; 45% believed they had been discriminated against because they were vegans’. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: