08 March 2024 , 13:41
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Ramadan is due to begin this weekend - but what are your rights to request flexible working hours if you're fasting?
The Mirror has previously spoken to employment rights experts to find out what you need to know. The exact dates of Ramadan change every year as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles.
Jim Moore, employee relations expert at HR consultants Hamilton Nash, said employers should be flexible during Ramadan due to the "physically and mentally challenging" aspects of fasting. He previously told The Mirror: “This could involve letting employees adjust their hours, allowing for more flexibility around breaks during the day, or allowing some work from home.
"These don't have to be permanent arrangements, but will send an important signal to staff from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. An employee has the right to request flexible working arrangements if they have 26 weeks' service, and an employer has three months to respond to this request.
"However, from April 2024, workers will be entitled to make these requests from day one of employment, and employers will have only two months to respond."
When is Ramadan this year? What to know about the Muslim holy month
Legally, workers are entitled to one 20-minute break every six hours under the Working Time Regulations 1998. However, employers could suggest allowing break times to be split into smaller ones to allow workers observing Ramadan time to pray.
Mr Moore said employees should aim to give as much notice as possible to their boss, in writing, if they plan on using holiday during Ramadan. He said: “Leave requests may be higher during Ramadan, and with Easter falling within the same period, there may be more employees taking time off during March.
“This could cause operational problems if too many staff are out at the same time, and also disgruntled employees if holidays are refused. Bosses should plan ahead and encourage staff to put in leave requests early, and award them on a first come, first served basis."
Rhys Wyborn, employment expert at law firm, Shakespeare Martineau, also pointed out that religion is one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. He said this means employees must not be treated less favourably because they are fasting.
He previously told The Mirror: “It is important that working hours are kept under review for employees observing Ramadan. While there is no legal right to a variation in hours due to religious belief, employers should be flexible and open to discussion with their staff, accommodating employee requests where possible.
“Employers should also be aware of arranging meetings where food might be present and give thought to ensuring there are onsite facilities where Muslim employees can pray without disruption if required."