WORKERS at a Burnley firm have been given extra time for prayers and a special room to observe them in under a deal agreed with bosses.

The agreement was reached between management at Specialist Anodising and worker Abdul Mutahir and applies to all the firm's Muslim staff.

The deal was hammered out after a disagreement between Mr Mutahir and the firm over him having time off for an Eid celebration.

Anodising's managing director Keith Fellows agreed to allow staff extra unpaid time for religious duties on a Friday and a room to conduct their prayers in.

Under the agreement Mr Mutahir, 33, a father-of four, and other Muslim workers have to give bosses 48 hours notice of when Eid will fall and any time they will be taking off, providing they have holidays owing.

In return, the company will provide a room for prayers and allow workers an unpaid 30-minute extension to their lunch break each Friday. "We've always given Muslim workers time off for Eid if they have holidays owing and time on Fridays to pray," explained Mr Fellows. "We've made specific manufacturing arrangements for taking time off during Eid. Now we are offering staff the chance to take an extra half-hour unpaid lunch break for prayers."

Mr Mutahir, who lives in the Stoneyholme area of Burnley, said: "I hope that I can be a good example for others to follow who are in similar circumstances."

Mr Mutahir was advised by staff at Burnley and Pendle Racial Equality Council (REC).

REC general secretary Ejaz Hussain added: "We're very pleased that it has been settled between the firm and the employees with the help of the racial harassment officer."

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