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'.