Can’t get time off for Jewish holidays? Tell the Board

The government has asked the Board of Deputies to give examples of cases where people couldn’t get time off work for Jewish festivals.

The Department of Education made the request in order to scope the scale of the problem and the Board have asked community members to come forward about their own experiences.

In a joint statement, senior Board members Laura Marks and Jonathan Arkush said: “Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot fall on weekdays again in 2014, so the issue needs to be dealt with urgently.”

They explained that teachers have approached have previously approached the Board asking for help in negotiating time off.

“We know that getting time off work can be problematic across other employment sectors, which we would also like to hear about,” they said.

“Please email education@bod.org.uk to provide us with details of your experience which will be treated in full confidence.”