There seems to be a never ending stream of cases in tribunals at the moment concerning whether claims for discriminatory treatment on the ground of philosophical belief should proceed. In our October 2011 newsletter we examined some of the recent case law on the ever shifting limits of what may qualify as a philosophical belief. A Watford employment tribunal has now very lightly put the brakes on.

In Lisk v Shield Guardian Co Ltd, the subject matter was a topical one. Mr Lisk, an ex serviceman, objected when he was asked by his employer, Shield Guardian, to remove his poppy at work and he submitted claims for direct discrimination and harassment on the protected ground of philosophical belief. A pre hearing review was listed to determine whether the "poppy incident" claim should proceed. Continue reading →