The Human Rights Act 1998
This Act came into force in October 2000 and as yet, its impact on employment law has not been felt as much as some originally thought. However, it certainly has a bearing on the way employment tribunals and courts operate on a daily basis.
At this stage it is sufficient for the Employer to appreciate that the Act reinforces the Articles of the European Convention on Human Rights and in terms of recruitment and selection the following are particularly relevant:
1. Article 9 on freedom of thought, conscience and religion (e.g. right to manifest one’s belief in public by worship, teaching practice and observance.
2. Article 11 on freedom of assembly and association (e.g. right to form and join trade unions)
3. Article 14 on prohibition of discrimination (e.g. right not to be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or ‘other status’.)
All PBS information sheets are designed to provide the detail you need to implement best business and employment practices. They are not a detailed commentary on the current law and where advice is needed in a specific case you should contact PBS for expert consultation.
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