MANAGERS are being urged to address religious issues in UK workplaces as Britain becomes an increasingly multi-faith society.

Although most employers claim to be confident in their ability to manage religious beliefs, only a third said in a recent survey that they had set policies in place for doing so.

Employers also expressed confusion over which faiths and faith days their employees followed, but despite the confusion, a quarter of companies said they had introduced or changed their policy as a result of the 2003 regulations outlawing religious discrimination.

Dianah Worman, diversity adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: ‘How to treat the expression of religion or belief in the workplace is becoming a more pressing issue for employers as Britain becomes a more multi-faith and secular society.

‘Employers should ensure they have a clear policy that removes any possible forms of discrimination and enables staff to make a fully engaged contribution at work regardless of religion or belief.’