Ramadan guidelines issued to UK employers for staff with religious obligations
Companies with Muslim staff who will be observing the holy month of fasting have been given top tips on dealing with religious observances.
RAMADAN IN LOCKDOWN
Employers have been issued with guidelines to help them during the month of Ramadan.
Those companies with staff who will be observing the holy month of fasting have been given top tips on dealing with such religious obligations.
The guidance includes:
- Accommodating flexible working hours/shift patterns
- Considering exchanging a lunch break for prayer breaks
- Accommodating requests to work from home where this is not already happening because of lockdown
- Considering annual leave requests
- Providing prayer facilities
- London-based organisation MEND - Muslim Engagement & Development - compiled the guidance.
It includes recent research from the Muslim Census which surveyed over 500 people about their experiences at work and what they need to meet their religious responsibilities.
MEND said Muslims ranked flexible shift patterns as a top priority during the month of Ramadan.
It said: "The Employment Rights Act 1996 states that every employee has the statutory right to ask to work flexibly after 26 week’s employment service. It is preferable that pre-agreed arrangements are made between the employer and Muslim employee with regards to flexible shift patterns in the month of Ramadan."
