Religious Expression in the Workplace and the Contested Role of Law

The workplace is a key forum in which the issue of religion and its position in the public sphere is under debate. Desires to observe and express religious beliefs in the workplace can introduce conflict between employees and employers. This book addresses the role the law plays in the resolution of these potential conflicts. The book considers the definition and underlying motives of religious expression, and explores the different ways it may impact the workplace. Andrew Hambler identifies principled responses to workplace religious expression within a liberal state and compares this to the law applying in England and Wales and its interpretation by courts and tribunals. The book determines the extent to which freedom of religious expression for the individual enjoys legal protection in the workplace in England and Wales, and asks whether there is a case for changing the law to strengthen that protection. The book will be of great use and interest to scholars and students of religion and the law, employment law, and religion and human rights.

1. Introduction 2. Conceptualising ‘Religious Expression’ in the Workplace 3. Restricting or Guaranteeing Religious Freedom in the Workplace: Legal Models 4. The Effect of the European Convention on Human Rights and its Application 5. The Legislative and Policy Landscape in England and Wales 6. Negative Manifestation 7. Passive Manifestation 8. Active Manifestation 9. Conclusion

Andrew Hambler is Senior Lecturer forHuman Resources and Employment Law at theDepartment of Human Resourcesand Leadership, University of Wolverhampton, UK.