Religion and Belief Guidance for Managers - July 2026

2. The Council’s Approach

Carmarthenshire County Council strives to be an equal opportunity employer and has an obligation under the regulations to ensure that discrimination does not take place in the workplace irrespective of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, disability, religion and belief or non-belief, age, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partnership status. Please also refer to our Equality & Diversity Policy.

All employees, regardless of religious belief or non-belief, are required to work in accordance with their contract of employment. However, there is likely to be some flexibility over how the hours are worked. Line managers should consider the needs of those whose religion requires them to pray at certain times of the day. In addition, staff who require, for example an extra hour at midday on Friday, or not to work beyond sunset on Friday or not work on Saturday, or on Sunday, should be accommodated if practicable. Although the regulations do not give any legal right to receive time off, paid or unpaid for religious reasons, annual leave, flexible working hours or unpaid leave can be considered depending on the circumstances and where leave entitlement has been exhausted. Please refer to our time off work and flexible working policies.

When considering a religion or belief request by an employee, an employer should assess whether the religion or belief is genuine and also whether accepting or rejecting the request will be lawful under the equality and human rights legislation.