Researchers ask:“Are the religious unfairly treated?”

In the last decade a raft of legislation has attempted to bring about equality for people of all religions and beliefs within British society. A University of Derby-led research team who have been investigating what and how much has really changed over this decade will present their preliminary findings at a series of workshops around the UK this autumn. Through a survey of religious organisations in England and Wales; fieldwork s in Cardiff, Blackburn, Newham, and Norwich; review and analysis of legal cases, and previous research; the research team from Derby and the Universities of Oxford and Manchester have built up a detailed picture of people's reported experience of unfair treatment based on their religion or belief across the UK. Compared to the results of similar research conducted for the Home Office in 1999-2001, which was also led by the University of Derby's Professor Weller, the project's initial findings have identified: Substantial reporting of unfair treatment on the basis of religion or belief continuing across key areas of people's lives. Indications of some reductions in reported unfair treatment in some areas of people's lives - including employment and, especially, criminal justice. Reports of unfair treatment indicate that it continues to particularly affect certain sectors (employment, education and the media) and religious groups (Muslims, Pagans and New Religious Movements). New examples of unfair treatment are being reported by Christians, with evidence pointing to increased incidence of issues round Sunday working.