Vegans should be exempt from workplace tea rounds as it's 'discrimination', says lawyer

Workplace tea rounds can make a long day that little bit more bearable.

If you have a vegan colleague, however, you may have to rethink whether or not they get included in these.

According to senior lawyer Alex Monaco, vegans should be exempt from making tea because putting them in a position where they have to handle cows' milk could be classified as discrimination.

The claims come as campaigners apply pressure on equality law-makers to "outlaw vegan discrimination at work", saying veganism is akin to religious belief and therefore merits the same protection under the Equality Act 2010.

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Alex Monaco, from law firm Monaco Solicitors, told MailOnline: "If you were Jewish or Muslim and told to get a round of bacon sandwiches in, no one would bat an eyelid if you refused.

"But if you're vegan and refused to buy a pint of milk to make tea because you believe the dairy industry is torturing cows, then you would be laughed out of the kitchen.

"Employers should have a duty to ensure vegans are protected at work and are offered options.

"The ultimate aim is to get the law changed so that the Equality Act includes vegans."

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A dedicated vegan himself, Alex is offering free consultations to all vegans who feel they have experienced workplace discrimination owing to their beliefs.

'Religion or belief' is one of nine protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010. Others include age, disability, race and sexual orientation.

It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate directly, by treating an employee less favourably than others because of their religion or belief.