Chris Hayes, of Morecrofts Solicitors, on the legal implications of a tribunal

A TRIBUNAL currently deciding on the case of Joe Hashman may render significant legal implications for the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations Act 2003.

Mr Hashman argued that his former employer, a Dorset garden centre, dismissed him for his moral beliefs and activities connected to animal rights.

He claimed that his employers were openly pro-hunting enthusiasts and had been involved with local hunting organisations for many years. He added that they had been unaware of his involvement in animal welfare, but following their discovery of this, he was subsequently dismissed.

Mr Hashman’s ex- employer claims the dismissal was due to his work not generating enough revenue.

The tribunal has reserved its decision on whether or not the former employee’s beliefs in fact constitute a philosophical belief.

If the courts do decide in favour of Mr Hashman, a change in law may have a dramatic effect on the substantial number of cases that could potentially be brought to court by an individual’s everyday choices which are deemed “philosophical”.

That is, a sporting decision to choose Everton over Liverpool, become a vegetarian, practice as a devout Jew or be a member of a fringe political movement, could all impact on both a prospective and an actual employee’s job prospects.