Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, or independent industrial disputes arbitrator, has launched a new free online course to help employers avoid discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of religion or belief.

With over 70 per cent of the population having a religion, Acas said employers need to be aware of the behaviours and attitudes in their workplace and to ensure good practice for a "fair and open environment".

According to Acas, the new course provides employers with a definition of religion or belief. It also sheds light on the legal aspects of the religion or belief regulations, and how the regulations affect recruitment and existing employees, as well as the possible day-to-day impact of the regulations on your business.

Acas has already made available a good practice guidance including the booklet 'Religion or belief and the workplace'.

Rita Donaghy, Acas Chair said: "Our new e-learning course can help employers put the right procedures in place so that issues around religion or belief are understood. No matter how professional or well run your business is, bullying and discrimination can still happen.

"Some people may think the office banter is harmless or the conversation in the car park is private but employers should make it clear what is acceptable behaviour and have the proper channels available if someone has concerns about their treatment."

The new course is available at http://www.acas.org.uk