With Ramadan now underway employers are being reminded to be considerate of workers' needs during the holy month. From March 23, Muslims around the world will be celebrating through prayer and spiritual reflection as well as fasting as they prepare for Eid.
But many people will still be expected to work during that time with employees fasting during working hours by sticking to a Ramadan timetable as well as attending early morning and late evening meals and prayers. As a result, bosses are being reminded to be considerate of their staff's needs during this time.
But what are your rights at work during this time - and can you ask your boss to change your hours?
Read more: Ramadan 2023: Live updates on moon sighting announcement, start date, prayers and fasting times
According to BirminghamLive, a West Midlands legal firm has issued advice to employers as to how to be considerate of their staff adhering to Ramadan rules and how to balance work commitments during the holy month.
They say that workers asking for flexibility should make the request in writing, demonstrate that you have considered the impact it would have on the business and on the workload of colleagues, and to give as much notice as possible. Jayne Holliday, Legal Director at Higgs LLP, said an employee could make a claim for discrimination on the basis of religion or religious belief if their request is rejected with no justification.
She said: “If an employer wants to reject a flexible working request then they must state one or more of the eight prescribed reason, for example that the requested change may have a detrimental impact on the efficiency of the business.
“However, in my opinion, as flexible working requests during Ramadan are only for a short period of time, that will make them more difficult for employers to reject.”
Jayne said businesses should always comply with the Equality Act 2010 and advised they introduce a company policy on religious holidays that caters for all religions. However, it is important to note that if staff want to reduce their hours, their pay may well also be adjusted.
“Employees should be aware that if their hours reduce then employers are under no obligation to pay the usual salary. Sometimes people don’t realise that,” she added.
In the Middle East, attempts to spot the moon got underway yesterday (March 21). It was not seen and therefore the current month continues for another day and Ramadan was declared as starting on Thursday, March 23. Saudi Arabia's declarations on Ramadan are significant for the UK. As the UK doesn't have a national moon-sighting board, some look to Morocco instead or attempt to get verified sightings in British skies.
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