Religious observances and festivals – what are my employers’ obligations?

 
By Aleksandra Traczyk, Associate at Winckworth Sherwood
There are many different religious observances and festivals celebrated in the UK. These include (in no particular order):
the Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas (normally around March or April and late December respectively)
the Islamic festivals of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (generally around May/June)
the Jewish festivals of Pesach and Hannukah (generally around March or April and late November respectively) and others;
the Buddhist festival of Vesak (the full moon in May); and
the Hindu festival of Diwali (generally early November).
Employers will be familiar with the issues that religious observance can give rise to in the workplace including requests for time off and fasting requirements.
This can be a tricky area t...