The Board of Deputies of British Jews has today launched a newly expanded edition of its Employer’s Guide to Jews and Judaism, providing employers, HR professionals and business leaders with practical guidance on supporting Jewish employees and creating inclusive workplaces.
The new Guide, which has been welcomed by the Government and business organisation across the UK, was launched at the Strengthening the Jewish Way of Life and Combatting Antisemitism Conference, hosted by Lord Mann at Lancaster House.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds convened a roundtable of community and business leaders at the conference to discuss antisemitism in the workplace, which is one of the issues highlighted in the Guide.
Produced through the Board’s BoD@Work programme, the revised Guide is the result of two years of consultation and feedback from stakeholders across both the Jewish community and the world of work. It includes updated legal guidance, practical advice for employers, and a more accessible overview of the Jewish way of life for non-Jewish colleagues and managers. The Guide explains how aspects of Jewish life, including religious observance and Jewish Culture, can manifest in the workplace.
The publication comes at a time of heightened concern about antisemitism in British society. The Guide argues that supporting Jews in the workplace should form part of a wider whole-society approach to combating antisemitism and ensuring British Jews can participate fully in every aspect of national life. It also highlights the importance of employers understanding Jewish identity as both an ethnicity and a religion, reflecting protections under UK equality law.
The revised Guide has been welcomed by senior figures from Government, business and professional bodies.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“I welcome this new guide which will help employers better understand Jewish practices, culture and law, so they can offer more support to Jewish employees who may feel uncertain about sharing their identity in the workplace at a time of heightened tension for the community.
“This practical advice will be invaluable to employers and organisations who are discussing it with their employees. It will help create workplaces where Jewish colleagues feel safe, valued and supported, and where antisemitism is recognised and challenged.
“I commend the expertise and commitment behind this important resource, which strengthens our shared determination across Government and in society generally to tackle antisemitism and ensure Jewish life thrives across the UK.”
Karen Newman, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:
“Every employee should feel able to bring their whole self to work without fear of discrimination or exclusion. This Guide has been shaped by extensive engagement with employers, HR professionals, Jewish employees, and community organisations over the last two years. It provides practical, accessible advice to help employers better understand Jewish identity and create environments where Jewish colleagues can thrive.”
Lord Mann, HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism said:
“It is one of the most significant initiatives of recent years. Every employer needs to get a copy and use it.”
Acas said:
Skip to PDF content“Acas welcomes this practical guide to supporting Jewish employees in the workplace. Greater understanding, open conversations and avoiding assumptions about individual needs can help employers prevent discrimination and create workplaces where everyone is treated fairly and with respect”
The Employer’s Guide to Jews and Judaism is also supported by:
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy & Insights of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Every employer wants to create a workplace where people feel safe and valued. This guide can help businesses better understand Jewish identity and practice, respond sensitively to employees’ needs and take a clear stand against antisemitism. The British Chambers of Commerce is pleased to welcome this valuable resource.”
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Retail is the UK’s largest private sector employer, bringing together people from a range of backgrounds. Everyone should feel safe, respected and supported at work, and there is no place for antisemitism or discrimination of any kind. We welcome this guidance, which provides employers with practical support to better understand the experiences and needs of Jewish colleagues and help foster inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.”
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI CEO says:
“Antisemitism has no place at work or in wider society. Employers have an important responsibility to create workplaces where Jewish colleagues feel safe, respected and valued. That means turning good intentions into real world action. This guide will help businesses better understand the experiences and needs of Jewish colleagues and give employers practical support to build more inclusive workplaces. The CBI is pleased to support this important resource.”
Neil Carberry, Chief Executive, CIPD said:
“All colleagues should feel safe, respected and able to contribute fully. Antisemitism, like other forms of racism and unlawful discrimination, has no place in the workplace. We welcome the guide’s practical advice on supporting Jewish colleagues and on responding promptly, fairly and consistently when things go wrong. Good people management means fair treatment, clear expectations of professional behaviour and inclusion that works for everyone. We were pleased to offer comments as the guide was developed and encourage employers to read it alongside our own guidance on religion and belief.”
Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:
“The IoD welcomes this timely and practical guide. Directors set the tone for their organisations, and understanding the different identities, experiences and needs of colleagues is an important part of responsible leadership. Against a backdrop of increased antisemitism, this guide will help business leaders better support Jewish colleagues, accommodate religious observance appropriately and recognise and address antisemitism – helping to build more inclusive and respectful workplaces.”
Rob Halfon, Executive Director of External Affairs, Policy and Membership for Make UK said:
“Antisemitism in Britain is running at near-record levels. The Community Security Trust recorded 1,926 incidents in the first six months of this year, up 21% on the same period last year. That hatred does not stop at the office door or the factory gate. Jewish employees are facing it at work, and employers have a duty to act.
“Every worker should be able to go to work confident that their faith and identity will be respected. This guide gives employers clear, practical advice: how to accommodate religious observance, how to adjust working arrangements, and how to deal with antisemitism firmly when it happens. Make UK is proud to support it. I urge every employer in the country to use it.”
Miles Celic OBE, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said,
“Everyone should be able to participate fully in the workplace, whatever their ethnicity or religion. This updated, practical guidance will help businesses across the country create an inclusive environment for British Jews and make reasonable arrangements that enable them to observe their faith. By building employers’ understanding and awareness it will also support the vital effort we need to make as a society to tackle the rise of antisemitism and, as part of that, to strengthen inclusion in the workplace.”
Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said:
“Hospitality has a proud history of being a safe space for everyone and anyone who needs one. That’s a tradition we are committed to upholding.
“Antisemitism has no place in society and I’m pleased to support this important work. This type of practical guidance is an important resource for the sector and we will be sharing it with our members, as well as continuing to work together with the Government on this important issue.”
Lawrence M. Weiss, Board member of the Association of Chief Executives and Chair of Reclaim Fund Ltd, said:
“Public body leaders set the culture, values and behaviours of their organisations. Creating inclusive workplaces is a core leadership responsibility that requires a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting the communities we serve and employ. This guide provides public body leaders with the understanding and practical tools needed to support Jewish employees, address antisemitism effectively, and foster workplaces where Jewish colleagues feel recognised, valued, and respected. It offers thoughtful, timely and practical advice, and I urge all senior leaders from across the public sector not only to read it, but, most importantly, to act on it.”