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01/10/2015
Sikh Workers Exempt From Safety Equipment Legal Requirements
New rules have been introduced to exempt Sikh workers from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in the majority of workplaces.
For more than 20 years, Sikhs working in the construction industry have been exempted from rules requiring head protection – but because of a legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not.
This meant that Sikhs in many jobs who chose to wear turbans rather than the required head protection could be at risk of disciplinary action or even dismissal.
Announcing the new rules, Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel, said: "This change demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose – if you work hard and want to get on in life, this government will be on your side.
"As the Prime Minister's Indian Diaspora Champion as well as Employment Minister, I'm delighted to be part of the government that has made this change. It makes me proud that the UK is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community."
Spokesperson for Sikh Council UK, Gurinder Singh Josan, said:
"We are pleased that Parliament listened to our campaign and enabled this vital change in the law.
"It will make a real difference to Sikhs in the UK by increasing the number of workplaces that turban wearing Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity."
(MH/CD)
For more than 20 years, Sikhs working in the construction industry have been exempted from rules requiring head protection – but because of a legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not.
This meant that Sikhs in many jobs who chose to wear turbans rather than the required head protection could be at risk of disciplinary action or even dismissal.
Announcing the new rules, Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion, Priti Patel, said: "This change demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose – if you work hard and want to get on in life, this government will be on your side.
"As the Prime Minister's Indian Diaspora Champion as well as Employment Minister, I'm delighted to be part of the government that has made this change. It makes me proud that the UK is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community."
Spokesperson for Sikh Council UK, Gurinder Singh Josan, said:
"We are pleased that Parliament listened to our campaign and enabled this vital change in the law.
"It will make a real difference to Sikhs in the UK by increasing the number of workplaces that turban wearing Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity."
(MH/CD)
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Oxford Rules Change: Men Can Wear Skirts To Exams
Oxford University has rewritten its strict academic dress rules after proposals brought on behalf of transgender students. Now students taking exams or attending formal occasions will no longer have to wear gender-specific ceremonial clothing – men will be able to wear skirts and women will be able to wear trouser suits with bow ties.
Oxford Rules Change: Men Can Wear Skirts To Exams
Oxford University has rewritten its strict academic dress rules after proposals brought on behalf of transgender students. Now students taking exams or attending formal occasions will no longer have to wear gender-specific ceremonial clothing – men will be able to wear skirts and women will be able to wear trouser suits with bow ties.
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Sikh boy's hair cut in attack
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ICO Seizes Covert Database Of Construction Industry Workers
An investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has uncovered a database containing details on 3,213 construction workers which was used by over 40 construction companies to vet individuals for employment.
ICO Seizes Covert Database Of Construction Industry Workers
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
