With the Islamic holy month of Ramadan beginning on 18 June and ending 30 days later, four top tips have been published for employers on how to support employees observing religious festivals. For Muslims Ramadan represents the holiest month in the year, when the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast (no eating or drinking) during daylight hours. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking of the fast.

The four top tips are:

1. Have a policy on religious observance;

2. Show tolerance on reduced productivity levels;

3. Find a way to accommodate annual leave requests;

4. Consider the effect of training events, conferences and offsite meetings.

Acas also have also published online guidance on how employers can support workers during Ramadan which includes making sure all staff are made aware of when Ramadan is, how long it lasts, and what the fasting entails.

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