News Article

‘Ethical’ Vegan vs Vegan…

Is one potentially a protected philosophical belief which Employers need to be aware of? 


That is exactly what an Employment Tribunal will determine in March 2019 after an Employee was dismissed from his role at ‘League Against Cruel Sports’, having disclosed to colleagues that the firm would be investing pension funds into other firms involved in animal testing. 

The Employee has made a claim that he was dismissed on the grounds of his Ethical Vegan belief, which is not just a dietary or lifestyle choice, but more about preserving the welfare of animals and the environment, and therefore is a potentially ‘protected belief’ under law. 

The Equality Act 2010 states a ‘belief should affect your life choices or the way you live, for it to be included in the definition’, this does give scope to the claim being made, although it will be for the Employment Tribunal to determine if the dismissal was due to the Employee’s beliefs or his disclosing of confidential information. 

For any further advice or information please contact the team here at SFB Consulting. Our offices are based in Bishop’s Stortford and London, but we offer our services and consultancy UK wide. 

T:01279 874 676 

E:info@sfb-consulting.com