Hawkins v Universal Utilities
A tribunal has held that believing that lies should never be told is a philosophical belief, attracting protection against discrimination under the Equality Act.
Mr Hawkins was a telesales agent. He claimed that he was dismissed because he refused to lie to customers. Lying was contrary to his Christian beliefs, he said. The tribunal held that the actual reason for his dismissal was his inadequate performance. He hadn't produced evidence of being told to lie.
Although his claim failed, others might succeed. Truthfulness is an important and significant aspect of human life and isn't a value unique to Christianity. It can amount to a philosophical belief and, in the right circumstances, could be the basis of a successful claim.
A tribunal has held that believing that lies should never be told is a philosophical belief, attracting protection against discrimination under the Equality Act.
Mr Hawkins was a telesales agent. He claimed that he was dismissed because he refused to lie to customers. Lying was contrary to his Christian beliefs, he said. The tribunal held that the actual reason for his dismissal was his inadequate performance. He hadn't produced evidence of being told to lie.
Although his claim failed, others might succeed. Truthfulness is an important and significant aspect of human life and isn't a value unique to Christianity. It can amount to a philosophical belief and, in the right circumstances, could be the basis of a successful claim.
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