A NEW guide to help employers understand the faith of their Jewish employees has been published by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

It has sections on observing the sabbath and festivals, on clothing and prayer time, and on following a kosher diet. The Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, said: "According to our Jewish tradition, we have been placed in this world to make a difference to it, to engage with it, and make it holy. In a day-to-day context, this means finding a profession or vocation that enables us to contribute to the economy and to society."

He praised the efforts of the Board of Deputies to produce a document that helps employers to understand their workforce.

The guide was launched by the Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, who said: "Nobody should feel they have to choose between their faith and their job. And, certainly, nobody should be harassed, bullied, or intimidated at work because of their religion. Work should be a place of dignity and respect, an environment where the talents and skills of different groups are valued."

www.bod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Employers-Guide-to-Judaism2.pdf