The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations defined religion or belief as, ‘any religion, religious belief, or similar philosophical belief’. The definition includes philosophical beliefs and excludes political beliefs. The belief must have a profound effect on the person’s way of life. When the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations came into force, it became unlawful to discriminate against workers because of religion or similar belief.

The Equality Act replaced the equality legislation on employment discrimination on 1 October 2010. The changes included introducing new powers for employment tribunals to make recommendations which benefit the wider workforce, and extending protection from third party harassment to people with faith and belief values.
 
Essex County Council works with third sector organisations to find out how to improve access to services by taking into account religion and belief issues.
 
The Council works towards creating a work place with a culture of dignity and respect. There is a Christian Fellowship at Essex County Council that meets weekly at County Hall. Meetings are informal and open to all. Employees with different faiths also have access to a space for practising their faith. The Council is relaunching its Faith Network Group for employees shortly to understand the impact of faith in the workplace.