French Busineses Have Concerns Over Accommodating Muslim Religious Practices

Europe News yesterday reports on difficulties faced by companies in France as they are increasingly asked to accommodate religious needs of Muslim employees. Many managers oppose employees wearing head scarves. Larger companies have set up prayer rooms. When significant numbers of employees seek to take time off for Eid, some companies face staffing problems. The most accepted kinds of accommodation involve Ramadan. Often schedules are adjusted, long breaks are provided to break the fast and restaurants remain open later, offering halal soup, milk and fruit. France's anti-discrimination agency has ruled that religious accommodation can be refused only if it would interfere with providing business services.