Adding 'being an arsey bitch' to existing definitions of ‘protected characteristics’, as defined by the Equalities Act, could throw workplaces into turmoil, a leaked government email has revealed.
Traditionally, employers have been prohibited from discriminating against their employees on the basis of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.
However from the 1st April 2011 people who self-identify as ‘being a bit of an arsey bitch’, will join people who are ‘a bit funny-looking’ or ‘really annoying and needy’, and will be protected by statute against unlawful discrimination.
‘Being a bit of an arsey bitch’ has long been known as a handicap in the workplace. It can affect both male and female employees, and yet there are few employers, currently, who have put in place support systems to help individuals afflicted by the condition. Most employers expect colleagues to help, usually by employing the time-honoured phrase ‘oh stop being such an arsey bitch’ at regular intervals.
