A LEAFLET was launched today to inform Muslims of their new rights at work.

Retail trade union Usdaw has teamed up with the Labour Party, the Muslim Council of Britain and the Coalition Against Racism to produce the guide.

The move comes as the Government introduces a new right against discrimination at work on the grounds of religion and belief.

The rights cover Muslims in the workplace who were previously not covered by anti-discrimination laws.

The leaflet focuses on the ways workplaces should help Muslims to accommodate their faith. These include time off for religious holidays, different dietary requirements, flexibility for prayer on Fridays, on-site washing facilities and accommodating a certain dress code.

Coun Afzal Khan, North West spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "We are delighted that these new rights have been introduced. We have been campaigning for several years and the right to protection against discrimination at work on the grounds of religion is even more important for Muslims at the moment, who are suffering harassment because of their beliefs.

"We are very pleased that the leaflet has been produced to publicise the rights to the people who need them."

Muslims will benefit from the new rights as they were previously exempt from the Race Discrimination legislation as they are not defined as a 'race' as Jews and Sikhs are.

The leaflet can be viewed at www.usdaw.org.uk.