Robinsons Solicitors
News Article
DO MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY HAVE EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ?
The Church has historically declared that Priests were mere “office holders” occupying a “living” and therefore were not subject to employment legislation.In a recent Employment Tribunal case, it appears that the Church of England has now conceded that Clergy, for the purposes of Employment Law, are employed by the Church and not by God.
This potential breakthrough centres on the case of Reverend Sharpe and his employer, the Worcester Diocese.
Reverend Sharpe claimed that he had been subjected to verbal abuse and dangerous working conditions. He is now claiming damages for economic loss and injury to feelings.
As the Church has conceded that Reverend Sharpe has the status of a worker, ‘for the purposes of this claim’, the Employment Tribunal is able to hear the claim and the case is now set for judicial mediation. If Reverend Sharpe’s case is upheld after any appeal, it will mean that Clergy across the U.K. will benefit from employment legislation, such as the national minimum wage, paid holidays, anti-discrimination, unlawful deduction of wages, working time directive and maternity and paternity laws to name but a few.
Not only will this affect the Church of England, but will have major implications for other faith groups.
It is likely to be necessary for Churches and faith organisations to review their approach to employment legislation and seek further advice to ensure that those who may, in the future, be regarded as employees/workers are brought ... continue >
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Published: 22 October 2008
