The Board of Deputies has affirmed its support for Jewish employees after an incredibly difficult year for Jews in the workplace following the 7 October attacks.
The comments came as the Board launched the latest updated edition of the Board of Deputies Employer’s Guide at Parliament in the presence of Ministers, MPs and peers.
The Guide, now in its third edition, contains information for employers on how to create workplaces that are inviting and inclusive for Jewish employees by helping them understand Jewish observance and holidays.
Since the 7th of October, antisemitic discrimination in the workplace has been a key concern for the community. The Employer’s Guide addresses this concern with a new, extended chapter about preventing antisemitic discrimination in the workplace.
Addressing the launch, Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg said:
“Since 7 October there has been misunderstanding about the Jewish community and in some cases antisemitism in the workplace and we want to be there to help Jewish employees tackle these problems. I want you to know this: We’ve got your back.”
Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education, Sir Stephen Timms MP, welcomed the publication of the guide and praised the contribution of the UK Jewish community, saying:
“The British Jewish community should not merely feel accepted in Britain. The community needs to know that Jewishness is a vital contributor to an essential component of Britain and of Britishness. There wouldn’t be such a thing as Britishness without the Jewish contribution.”
Faiths Minister Lord Khan also joined the meeting to affirm the Government’s support for Jewish workers.
Dan Tomlinson MP, the co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary group on British Jews, spoke of the importance of the guide for Jewish employees.
“It is more important than ever that Jewish people in this country feel that they can live worship and participate in their workplace, in safety and in confidence. That’s why this is a good time to release an updated version of the Employer’s Guide so that employers can familiarise themselves with the religious and cultural requirements of their Jewish employees, so that they can continue to receive support that they need in the workplace.”
Introducing the Employer’s Guide, Board of Deputies Vice President Andrew Gilbert said:
“This guide addresses the concern about preventing antisemitism and discrimination in the workplace, but even more importantly, it will help people to negotiate the sometimes murky waters where employment law meets religious practice. It will be a positive addition for both employers and employees alike.”
Board of Deputies Religious and Civil Affairs Officer Victoria Lisek spoke of the importance of Jewish staff network in protecting the rights of Jewish workers.
“The Guide is strongly connected to our BoD@Work programme – the Board of Deputies’ engagement with Jews in the workplace. We are very keen that employers who wish to support their Jewish staff will assist in setting up their own networks.