Job interviewers should not necessarily expect all job interviewees to shake hands as it could cause offence, warns the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

According to a report just published by the institute, insisting on a handshake could leave the interviewer's organisation open to a claim of discrimination. In some cultures shaking hands is considered offensive.

The study, entitled Tackling Religious Discrimination: An Introduction to The Law also warns that serving alcohol without a non-alcoholic option at work functions could invite a claim under new European laws to come into effect later this year.

To comply with EU law, the UK has to introduce new legislation on religious discrimination by December of this year, making it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of religion or belief in the workplace.

But the implications for employers are enormous claims the CIPD, especially since compensation awarded to an employee or would-be employee who wins their case would be unlimited.

Says Dianah Worman, an adviser with the CIPD: "The Government needs to produce guidance as quickly as possible. We could see animal rights activists bringing a case if they are not considered for a job at an animal testing lab, for example."

However, according to Dennis Grant, chief executive of Swindon Chamber of Commerce, what matters most is that employers use their common sense.

"It's one of those situations where employers can't simply rely on the legislation. Life isn't that simple," he said.

"For instance, with the example of the drinks, if you don't provide non-alcoholic options, you are technically discriminating, but the fact is, most people do provide soft drinks and mixers and for practical purposes rather than anything to do with religion."