Tribunal Rules: Pro-Brexit Views Are Not Philosophical Beliefs

Backing Brexit is not a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act, an employment tribunal has ruled. The case involved former UKIP councillor Colette Fairbanks, who was dismissed by drug and alcohol charity Change Grow Live (CGL) after sharing offensive social media posts about immigrants.

Fairbanks claimed she was “bullied and harassed” because of her political views, arguing that her support for Brexit, opposition to illegal immigration and desire for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) were philosophical beliefs protected under the law.

Commenting on the ruling in People Management, Employment Partner Fudia Smartt reflected on the tribunal’s decision to reject Fairbanks claim stating “Pro-Brexit views vary greatly, so it is difficult to see how they could acquire the level of cogency required for protection,”

Read the full article including Fudia’s comments here: Pro-Brexit views are not protected philosophical beliefs, tribunal rules | People Management