Veganuary – is it worth giving it a go?

Veganuary  - is it worth giving it a go?

At the start of a new year many people evaluate their diets and many have started to take up the Veganuary trend. This is where people have a plant-based approach to eating based on a trend of going Vegan for January and where the term Veganuary was born.

A story hitting the headlines recently describes an ethical vegan who claimed he was unfairly dismissed due to his view on animal products; has won a landmark case at a Preliminary Hearing in an employment tribunal, meaning that his case can go forward to a full hearing.

This man claimed he was sacked after raising concerns that his employer League Against Cruel Sports’ pension fund had invested in firms involved in animal testing.

Summarising the case the Judge explained that ethical veganism satisfied tests required for it to be classed as a philosophical belief and earned protection under the Equality Act 2010.

Dietary vegans and ethical vegans both have a plant-based diets, however ethical vegans also choose not to wear clothes made of wool or leather and stop using products tested on animals.

Susan Mayall, Head of Employment Law at Pearson Solicitors comments, “Under the Equality Act 2010 ethical veganism could now be recognised as a protected characteristic and this could potentially have a significant effect on employment.  It is well worth employers being aware that ethical veganism should be treated in the same way as religious beliefs in the workplace. Care needs to be taken before dismissing employees who may gain protection based on this ruling.” 

If you are an employer and need advice in this area please do not hesitate in contacting Susan our Employment Solicitor.

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.