Employers Forum on Belief (EFB) has launched a guide to help employers understand the needs of Muslim staff during Ramadan.

There are 1.6 million Muslims living in the UK and during Ramadan, which begins next week, they must fast during daylight hours.

The EFB guide advises employers to avoid working lunches and consider flexible working arrangements. Employers should also encourage Muslim staff to discuss their needs.

Rachel Krys, campaign director of the EFB, said: "Employers who take a little bit of time to understand the needs of Muslim employees during Ramadan will reap rewards.

"It is an opportunity to show staff they are cared about and a small adjustment could reduce the need for time off. The changes we are suggesting are very small, allowing a little flexibility in working hours or switching working hours for meetings.

"Something as simple as not having biscuits at a team meeting would demonstrate sensitivity to what Muslim colleagues are doing."