Muslims all over the UK will spend much of today preparing for the start of Ramadan this evening.
While many will be fasting and focusing on prayer, there will still be other obligations to fulfil during the holy month such as their job. However, sometimes this can cause more pressure than necessary, especially if your working hours are too sporadic.
You may be considering asking your boss to change your hours as well as any other worker rights that may help. According to West Midlands legal firm, you are allowed to ask your boss to change your hours for religious reasons, Birmingham Live reports.
Read more: Can you vape during Ramadan? What are the rules and when does it start?
Law Firm Higgs LLP has issued guidance for employers and employees on how a balance between work and religious commitments during Ramadan can be met. They advise workers to ask for flexibility and to make the request in writing, demonstrating that you have considered the impact it will have on the business and the workload for colleagues.
Jayne Holliday, Legal Director at Higgs LLP, 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.”
She highlighted that businesses should always comply with the Equality Act 2010 and advised they introduce a company policy on religious holiday to cater for all religions. She added: "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.
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