Ramadan: what employers should know about supporting their workforce

The holy Muslim month of Ramadan is expected to begin this evening, on Wednesday 18 February with the sighting of the crescent moon.  

Eid-al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on the evening of 19 March or 20 March.

During the month of 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. 

When the sun has set, the meal that breaks the fast is often shared with family and the local community. Traditionally, the fast is broken with a date.

HSE advises employers to review risk assessments during Ramadan to manage potential safety risks like fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration among fasting staff. Photograph: iStock

UNISON, in a post shared on its website, reminds 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.

"Small, thoughtful adjustments, shaped by open conversations, can make a meaningful difference for Muslim employees observing Ramadan.”

In the article, two Muslim members speak about how their workplaces support them. 

Raza, a careers advisor, said that, because fasting, late-night prayers and lack of water can lead to tiredness or dehydration, flexibility is key. “If someone is asking to swap a shift or start at a different time, colleagues helping is really important during this time,” he said.

Nadia, a clinical support worker in microbiology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, said: “It helps when colleagues are supportive when we feel a little tired, to allow us to take a moment,” adding that her colleagues help with heavy lifting during the month. 

HSE advises employers to review risk assessments during Ramadan to manage potential safety risks like fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration among fasting staff. 

Employers must fulfil their duty of care by adjusting work, particularly for manual labour or safety-critical roles, ensuring adequate breaks, and maintaining open communication

Laura Kearsely, solicitor at Nelsons law firm, adds that employers should raise awareness of Ramadan, across their workforces, in the same way they should for other major religious events. “This enables employees to be sensitive to the needs of their colleagues and how they can support them,” she writes in her article with other key tips.