Big Brother . . . R.I.P?

The massive media coverage following the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998 ("the HRA") on 2 October 2000 has sent a chill down the spine of most employers. The HRA, described by some as the most important piece of egislation since the Magna Carta, incorporates into UK law the principles of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms ("the Convention"). Examples of the rights which have an impact on employment law include:

the prohibition of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment;

the right to a fair trial;

the right to respect for privacy and family life;

the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion;

the right to freedom of expression and after expression