Discrimination against Christians is rife in the workplace, especially in the public sector, a new UK study has found.

A survey conducted by the Catholic Union said that religious freedom was a “blind spot” for employers actively mistreating and discriminating against people because of their faith.

In a poll of 222 members and supporters, almost a third of respondents (31 per cent) said they had felt disadvantaged at work because of their faith.

Almost three quarters of these instances (73 per cent) occurred in the public sector, the survey revealed.

The survey was carried out to gather evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry into human rights at work, which includes a section on freedom of religion and expression.

The Catholic Union’s survey highlighted particular problems in hospitals, universities and the police.