Ethical veganism could be given the status of a protected belief in a landmark employment tribunal, as experts have said “it is more than just a lifestyle choice”.

Jordi Casamitjana, an ethical vegan, has claimed that he was fired by the League Against Cruel Sports after raising concerns that its pension fund was being invested into companies involved in animal testing.

He has said that he was unfairly disciplined for making the disclosure and that the charity’s decision to dismiss him was because of his philosophical belief in ethical veganism.

Unlike dietary vegans who just eat a plant-based diet, ethical vegans exclude all forms of animal exploitation by not wearing clothes made of wool or leather and not using products tested on animals.

Mr Casamitjana's lawyers said ethical veganism "comfortably" satisfies the series of tests required for it to be classed as a philosophical or protected belief, meaning it would be protected under the Equality Act 2010.

These tests include being worthy of respect in a democratic society, not being incompatible with human dignity and not conflicting with fundamental rights of others.