Jewellery is a meaningful expression of personal identity, cultural heritage, and religious beliefs. However, balancing these personal expressions with workplace requirements, safety concerns, and uniform policies can sometimes present challenges for both employers and employees in the UK. Understanding the relevant laws, notable legal cases, and the religious diversity across Britain is essential for creating inclusive and lawful jewellery policies in workplaces.
UK employment law and religious jewellery
Under the Equality Act 2010, UK employers must respect employees’ rights to manifest their religious beliefs, including wearing religious jewellery, unless there are justified grounds for restriction—primarily health, safety, or operational reasons. Employers must clearly articulate these reasons and apply any rules consistently to avoid claims of discrimination.
Significant legal cases
Two landmark legal cases highlight the nuances around religious jewellery in British workplaces:
- Eweida v British Airways (2013): British Airways employee Nadia Eweida was initially prohibited from visibly wearing a small Christian cross at work. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in her favour, finding the airline’s policy disproportionately restrictive as the jewellery was discreet and did not pose any health or safety risk (ECHR Judgement).
- Chaplin v Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust (2013): Contrastingly, in Chaplin’s case, the ECHR supported the NHS Trust’s decision to restrict a nurse’s necklace bearing a cross, citing legitimate health and safety concerns in a clinical setting. This demonstrates that safety considerations can legitimately override the right to wear religious jewellery (ECHR Judgement).
These landmark cases highlight the complexity involved in balancing religious freedoms with operational safety in UK workplaces.
Common religious jewellery in the UK
The UK workplace is a vibrant multicultural environment. Employers should be aware of common forms of religious jewellery:
Christianity
Cross threader earrings from https://www.threaderearrings.co.uk
In Christianity, religious jewellery commonly includes items like crosses or crucifix necklaces, rings, and bracelets. The cross is one of the most significant symbols in Christianity, representing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and symbolising sacrifice, salvation, redemption, and the unconditional love of God. Crucifix necklaces, specifically featuring the figure of Jesus on the cross, are predominantly worn by Catholics and serve as powerful reminders of Christ’s passion and ultimate sacrifice. Christian rings and bracelets may also bear inscriptions of Bible verses, prayers, or symbols such as the fish (ichthys), which historically signifies Christianity.
Catholicism
Silver rosary necklace from https://www.threaderearrings.co.uk
In Catholicism, a rosary is a sacred devotional tool comprising a string of beads used to guide individuals through a structured sequence of prayers. Traditionally, the rosary consists of five groups of ten beads, known as decades, with each bead representing a “Hail Mary” prayer. Each decade is separated by a single, distinct bead used to recite an “Our Father” prayer. The rosary also typically includes additional beads or a crucifix at one end, marking prayers like the “Apostles’ Creed” and “Glory Be.”
The primary purpose of the rosary is to help Catholics meditate upon key events in the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, known collectively as the “Mysteries of the Rosary.” These mysteries are grouped into four categories: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous, each reflecting significant spiritual moments and teachings within Catholic tradition. As such, the rosary not only serves as a method of prayer but also as a contemplative practice, encouraging deeper reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth.
Catholics often use rosaries during private prayer, communal prayer sessions, or special religious events. Beyond its devotional use, wearing rosary beads as jewellery can also signify a personal connection to faith, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of spiritual beliefs and commitments.
Sikhism
By Harisingh at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16045782
Practising Sikhs commonly wear the Kara, a circular steel or iron bracelet, as one of the five articles of faith known as the ‘Five Ks’. The Kara symbolises strength, resilience, unity with God, and an unbreakable bond with the Sikh community. Wearing the Kara serves as a constant reminder to Sikhs to perform righteous actions, uphold moral integrity, and remain spiritually aware. Its circular form signifies eternity and the unending nature of God. The Kara is worn on the dominant wrist, signifying the commitment to act according to Sikh principles in daily life.
Islam
Bismallah necklace from onecklace.co.uk
Muslim individuals may wear discreet jewellery, such as pendants or necklaces inscribed with verses from the Quran or names of Allah. These inscriptions serve as continuous personal reminders of their faith and spiritual devotion. Popular inscriptions include the phrase “Bismillah” (“In the name of God”), or the names and attributes of Allah, highlighting mercy, compassion, and divine presence. Due to cultural practices and teachings on modesty in Islam, religious jewellery tends to be understated and subtle, often worn close to the body rather than prominently displayed.
Judaism
Star of David earrings from specialist Jewish jeweller https://www.judaicawebstore.co.uk/
In Judaism, religious jewellery often includes the Star of David, also known as the Magen David, which has become a universally recognised symbol of Jewish identity and heritage. Pendants and bracelets bearing this symbol serve as powerful identifiers of faith and community. Additionally, jewellery engraved with Hebrew inscriptions or phrases from Jewish prayers, such as the Shema, hold significant religious and personal meanings. Other jewellery pieces might include Chai pendants, symbolising life and spiritual vitality, serving as reminders of the Jewish values of perseverance and reverence for life.
Hinduism
Om Pendant by https://www.goldboutique.com/
Followers of Hinduism frequently wear jewellery featuring religious symbols such as Om (Aum) pendants, sacred threads (Yajnopavita), and deity representations. The Om symbol is highly revered in Hinduism, representing the universe and ultimate reality, and encompassing the essence of all existence. Om pendants serve as spiritual guides, helping devotees focus on meditation and prayer. The sacred thread, traditionally worn diagonally from shoulder to waist, symbolises purity, spiritual commitment, and the initiation into spiritual education and ethical responsibilities. Additionally, deity representations in jewellery, such as necklaces depicting Hindu gods and goddesses like Ganesha or Lakshmi, offer protective blessings and reminders of divine presence and guidance.
Buddhism
Buddhism also has meaningful jewellery, such as bracelets, necklaces, and pendants depicting symbols like the Lotus flower, Dharma wheel, or Buddha representations. Lotus jewellery symbolises purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, reflecting a core Buddhist teaching that beauty and spiritual growth can arise from challenging circumstances. Dharma wheel jewellery symbolises the Buddha’s teaching and spiritual awakening, reminding the wearer of their commitment to follow Buddhist principles. Jewellery featuring images of the Buddha represents peace, enlightenment, and compassion, inspiring the wearer towards mindful living.
Each of these jewellery items holds significant religious value and, unless demonstrably problematic for workplace safety, should generally be accommodated.
Employer responsibilities under British law
Employers must adhere to clear guidelines when addressing religious jewellery:
- Justifiable policies: Clearly document reasons if restricting jewellery, especially citing safety, hygiene, or operational concerns.
- Consistent application: Policies should be universally enforced across all staff to avoid discrimination.
- Reasonable accommodation: Employers are obliged to reasonably accommodate employees’ religious practices unless a genuine safety or operational necessity prevents this.
Practical considerations for employers
To effectively manage religious jewellery in workplaces, employers should:
- Consult with employees: Engage with employees to understand the significance of jewellery in their religious practice.
- Risk assessment: Regularly assess the actual risks posed by specific jewellery items in workplace tasks.
- Flexible alternatives: Where jewellery must be restricted, offer alternatives like securely taping jewellery or safely covering it, if appropriate.
Advice for employees
Employees wishing to wear religious jewellery at work should:
- Familiarise themselves with the company’s jewellery and dress code policies.
- Clearly communicate the religious significance of their jewellery to management if questioned.
- Be prepared to discuss practical safety compromises, like temporarily covering or taping jewellery if necessary.
Practical jewellery choices for professional environments
For individuals working in professional settings where safety or uniformity is critical, choosing discreet forms of religious jewellery, such as small pendants, threader earrings, or rings inscribed subtly with religious motifs, can be a pragmatic way of balancing professional expectations with personal religious expression.
Navigating the wearing of religious jewellery in the workplace requires sensitivity, clarity, and understanding from both employers and employees. British employment law provides a robust framework protecting religious freedoms, but these rights must always be balanced with legitimate safety and operational needs. By clearly communicating policies, offering reasonable accommodations, and fostering open dialogue, UK employers and employees alike can uphold mutual respect, cultural diversity, and workplace safety.
