A Surrey law firm launched what it claims is one of the first actions to be brought under new equality legislation relating to religion last week.

Just Employment in Guildford began the action on behalf of Vehti Baysan, a Sunni Muslim who claims he was dismissed from the academic administration department of the Institute of Ismaili Studies - a separate branch of the Islamic faith - because of his religious beliefs.

The action is being brought under the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003, which came into force in December last year.

Just Employment solicitor Louise Maynard said: 'There have been no reported decisions under the new regulations so far, and we believe this is one of the first actions to be brought.'

She added: 'It shows the extent to which people are aware of their rights.'

Graeme Bellenger, a partner at Kidd Rapinet in London who is representing the Institute of Ismaili Studies, said the organisation would be vigorously defending the claim and is an equal opportunities employer.

Rachel Rothwell