Ramadan 2023: Your rights at work

The holy Muslim month of Ramadan is due to begin on Wednesday 22 March, with the first fast from sunrise to sunset on Thursday 23 March. Eid-al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on Saturday 22 April.  During this important holy period for Muslims, UNISON reminds both workers and employers that it is within the Equality Act 2010 for all employers to ensure flexible working and provide reasonable adjustments for workers wishing to observe Ramadan, which includes fasting, prayers, charity and reflecting on the Quran. During Ramadan, Muslims spend a period of 30 days abstaining from food and drink, including water, during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith. Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast when the sun has set, is often shared with family and the local community. Traditionally, the fast is broken with a date (pictured above). Workplace advice: flexible working Tell MAMA have produced useful employers’ guidance on how Muslims can be supported at work during Ramadan. Advice includes: consider the energy levels of staff, especially where work is physically demanding, and where possible, scheduling meetings earlier in the day and avoiding evening meetings or work events avoid scheduling lunchtime events be fair and considerate in the distribution of additional rest breaks as the month of Ramadan is aligned with the lunar calendar, Eid-al-Fitr has no fixed date. Employers are encouraged to be flexibl...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article equalities Ramadan rights at work Source Type: news