On 2nd December 2003 the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 came into force, which prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief in employment and vocational training. For the first time individuals have been given protection from discrimination which is based on their religion.

This has led to a project between the Muslim Council Britain (MCB) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote an understanding of the regulations, both within the Muslim community and amongst employers and organisations.

Based on the success of phases I and II, the project is currently in phase III. Building upon and expanding the work of previous years, the objectives of the 'Faith in Employment Project' continue to include dissemination of information, training and capacity building.

This year, however, the project will also include a research study of 30-50 public sector agencies and FTSE 100 companies, to establish how and to what extent religious discrimination is being tackled and what provisions are being made to accommodate religion and belief needs within the workplace. The project will also endeavor to establish 6 regional 'Beacon Centres' through which regular fortnightly advice surgeries will be delivered to local communities. The surgeries will be delivered in association with local Citizens Advice Bureaus, who will additionally train local volunteers in basic advice-giving work. Thus, the key areas of work for Phase III will include:

• The Faith in Employment Research Project
• Regional Seminars for Muslim Communities
• Fortnightly Advice Surgeries at Regional Beacon Centers in East London, Stanmore, Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham & Cardiff
• Training & Seminars for Advice Agencies and Employers

Literature and Information

In order to continue raising awareness in the community about new laws against religious discrimination, information is available in a range of formats including: