Victory as employer respects Christian conscience over Sunday working
Following the late intervention of the Christian Legal Centre, an employee of a major London tourist attraction is able to continue in his job, as his employer has now agreed to let him take Sundays off so that he can worship at church.
The employee, who is involved with his local church and several volunteer schemes, had been in negotiations with his employers for over a year and a half over whether he would continue to be forced to work on Sundays.
With the Christian Legal Centre's help, his employer has now backed down and has given him a new rota enabling him to spend Sundays worshipping at his church. By contrast, his employer had allowed a muslim employee not to work on Fridays.
The employee uses the money he earns from his job to fund his participation in several volunteer schemes in the local community.
The employee concerned added: “I'm very grateful to the Christian Legal Centre for standing with me. I’d like to thank Standing Counsel Paul Diamond, Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, and Libby Blaxall, because without their help I may never have reached an agreement with my employers. I am so pleased that I can attend church on Sunday and continue my job.”
The victory will encourage many Christians, some of whom have been under pressure to choose between working on Sundays or losing their jobs.
Celestina Mba
Earlier this year Celestina Mba, a children’s worker, lost her job because her employers changed their policy and asked her to start working on Sundays.
Ms. Mba worked for almost three years at the Brightwell Children’s Home in Morden, a respite home for children with disabilities including autism.
Her beliefs were initially respected by her employer, the London Borough of Merton, but it later changed its mind and she was forced to choose between her job and her faith.
An employment tribunal found against her and stated that her belief in Sunday as a day of worship was not a ‘core’ part of the Christian faith.
Comment
Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, said:
“We are really pleased that our client will be able to continue in his job and that his desire to worship God on Sundays, according to his faith, will now be respected.
“There is usually a way to ensure that Christians who want to worship on Sundays are accommodated. We urge employers to do what they can, and take a common sense approach.”
Resources
The Christian Legal Centre supports Christians who face difficulties in the workplace because of their beliefs. Contact us on 020 3327 1130 for assistance.
Christian Concern: Celestina Mba
Christian Concern: Religious Freedom
