Dangers of ignoring the majority

Mar 12 2010 Bill Midgley, The Journal

A FEW year’s ago I was asked by the chief executive of an organisation of which I was chairman to agree to Christmas Day being a working day for non-Christians.

Not particularly a problem from my point of view, other than I did indicate that such a condition should also be offered to the Christian community, many of whom may prefer to work on Christmas Day and avoid the usual pressures of a domestic festive season.

It also has to be acknowledged that some Christian communities recognise other days than the December 25 as Christmas Day itself. My argument was based upon discrimination and, while accepting that a minority certainly had a point, we could not exclude the wishes of the majority.

This has all come back to mind due to Harriet Harman’s proposals regarding the protection of minority groups and ensuring that they are free from discrimination.

As a general proposition, this has to be supported, but there is a real danger of it also opening up a charge of ignoring the rights of a much wider group. As the self-appointed President of the National Association of Curmudgeons, I expect that I should not have to work on National Curmudgeon Day, such a day being called on the shortest possible notice and to create the greatest difficulties to a wider section of the population as possible. A reasonable proposition from a curmudgeon.

How far do we go to protect minority groups, particularly in the workplace? There is a real danger in acceding to the requirements of every small religious and social group which, in itself, becomes disruptive and a potential threat to the ability of employers to continue an effective operation.

The current legislation, as proposed, is no doubt well intentioned, but legislation driven through in haste often has unintended implications.

Rather than legislate, negotiation with employers is surely a far better way to deal with the situation, and I accept that would require reasonableness from employer and the work force, not always the position in industrial relations.

Hopefully there will be some serious thought about the wider impact of any legislation and the realisation that to be in possession of employment does carry with it some responsibility and obligations.

In the meantime, this curmudgeon will continue to promote his own society, though I suspect membership might remain at a very low level even if I give myself a day off.

Bill Midgley is a North East business executive and former chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce