'Ethical veganism’ deemed a protected characteristic

By KMC Human Resources

29 Jan 2020

In a highly anticipated ruling in the Employment Tribunal, it has been found that an ex-employee who deems himself an ‘ethical vegan’ should be protected from discrimination.

The tribunal ruled that ethical veganism should be characterised as a philosophical belief and in coming to this conclusion, there is now a precedent for ethical veganism to be classed a ‘protected characteristic’ under the Equality Act 2010.

The landmark ruling, made by judge Robin Postle in the Employment Tribunal in Norwich, came in the case of ex-employee Jordi Casamitjana, who claims he was unfairly dismissed by his former employer, the League Against Cruel Sports, due to his beliefs in veganism.

In the first part of a two-part hearing, the judge stated that he was “overwhelmingly satisfied” that Mr Casamitjana’s ethical veganism was a philosophical belief; finding that the beliefs satisfied several tests – including that it is worthy of respect in a democratic society, not incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with the fundamental rights of others.

Regardless of whether or not the second part of the Tribunal finds that Mr Casamitjana was dismissed unfairly, the status of ethical veganism has been set, having potentially widespread implications for some employers.

But what are the details of this ruling and what actions should employers take?

Importantly, there is a clear distinction to be made between ethical vegans and those who follow a vegan diet plan. A growing number of people are choosing to follow a plant-based diet – avoiding all animal products such as dairy, eggs, honey, meat and fish. However, not all vegans (or vegetarians for that matter) can be classed as having a philosophical belief. The distinction comes in where avoiding animal-based products is extended into all aspects of an individual’s lifestyle. Ethical vegans will attempt to exclude all forms of animal exploitation from their life – for example, avoiding leather, wool or other animal products in their clothing.

Ethical vegans may also make choices on the companies they buy from or engage with based on their beliefs. The circumstances around Mr Casamitjana’s claim against his former employer were of this nature, being based around the concerns that he raised regarding the investment of his ex-employer’s pension fund in companies involved in animal testing.

To be protected under the Equality Act 2010, an individual will need to be able to demonstrate that their veganism constitutes a philosophical belief, thus being classed as a protected characteristic.

In relation to those who can be classed as ethical vegans, employers may wish to consider the following:

Updating their equality and diversity policies to include ethical veganism The provision of vegan-friendly products in staff break out areas and meeting rooms – including milk alternatives and vegan snacks (where snacks are provided) Ensuring that ethical vegans are treated fairly, and that their beliefs are respected. This may require regular training for line managers and staff on equality, diversity and anti-harassment Consider alternatives to wool or leather if providing a work-place uniform For job roles that involve regular interaction with animal-based products, a more in-depth review will likely be required

As an aside note, staff that are enrolled in a company pension scheme have every right to detailed information regarding where their monies are invested, irrespective of whether or not they have a ‘protected characteristic’ under employment law.

This ruling is a useful reminder of the Equality Act 2010 and how far it extends to protecting employees against discrimination and unfair treatment. Religion and belief is one of nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act. The others are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, sex and sexual orientation.

Employers should also remember that the Equality Act applies to every stage of the employment process – from the application stage, right through to the exit of an employee.

For more information on accommodating ethical veganism in your business, or adhering to the Equality Act in general, please get in touch.

Latest news

1

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin