For employers, HR and schools
Jewish workplace calendar and inclusion guide 2026
A practical 2026 Jewish workplace calendar for UK employers, with festival dates, work restrictions, appropriate greetings and inclusive planning advice.
Use language that fits the moment.
The direct answer
A useful Jewish workplace calendar should show that festivals begin the evening before, identify days when observant employees may not work or travel, and avoid assuming every Jewish person follows the same practice. In 2026 the main UK planning dates include Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Ask employees privately what adjustments they need and plan important events early.
Know the moment
Planning period
This is practical inclusion guidance, not legal advice. Religious practice varies by person and Jewish community.
Plan ahead
Dates and practical guidance
| Occasion | UK dates | Character | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passover / Pesach | 1–9 April 2026 | Major festival | Leave may be needed 2–3 and 8–9 April; consider kosher-for-Passover food requirements. |
| Yom HaShoah | Evening 13–14 April 2026 | Holocaust remembrance | Use solemn language; community events may affect availability. |
| Shavuot | Evening 21–23 May 2026 | Major festival | Observant employees may need Friday 22 May away from work. |
| Tisha B’Av | Evening 22–23 July 2026 | Solemn fast | Avoid celebratory team events where practical. |
| Rosh Hashanah | Evening 11–13 September 2026 | High Holy Day | Friday early finish may be needed; observant employees avoid work through the festival. |
| Yom Kippur | Evening 20–21 September 2026 | Holiest day and fast | Monday leave is likely; avoid food-centred events and unnecessary deadlines. |
| Sukkot | Evening 25 September–2 October | Major festival | Work restrictions traditionally apply 26–27 September. |
| Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah | Evening 2–4 October | Major festival | Traditionally no work, although dates fall at the weekend in 2026. |
| Hanukkah | Evening 4–12 December | Celebratory | Work permitted except Shabbat; acknowledge it independently from Christmas. |
Words ready to use
Appropriate workplace messages
Shana Tova to everyone celebrating. We wish our Jewish colleagues and their families a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.
Wishing everyone observing Yom Kippur a meaningful day and an easy fast.
Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish colleagues and everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights.
I know the festival is approaching. Is there anything we should adjust so you can observe it comfortably?
We have moved this meeting to avoid a major religious observance and make it easier for everyone to participate.
I am very sorry for your loss. Take the time you need now; we will agree practical arrangements when you are ready.
Avoid the awkward moment
What not to say or assume
Do not ask an employee to justify how Jewish or observant they are before discussing a reasonable request.
Avoid compulsory meetings, training or social events on major festival days when an alternative is available.
Do not schedule catered events during a fast and then make the fasting person explain themselves publicly.
Avoid using one Jewish colleague as the spokesperson for all Jewish people.
Do not combine a holiday greeting with political commentary or assumptions about Israel.
Understand the context
Guidance beyond the greeting
Five practical steps for an inclusive workplace
- Add major Jewish festivals to shared calendars before annual leave and meeting schedules are fixed.
- Remember that a festival may begin before the working day ends, particularly in winter or on Fridays.
- Invite employees to request leave or flexibility privately and as early as practical.
- Provide genuinely kosher food when requested; vegetarian food is not automatically kosher.
- Check rather than assume. Orthodox, Masorti, Reform, Liberal, Sephardi and secular Jewish employees may observe differently.
Time off and UK employment practice
Acas says there is no automatic legal requirement to provide time or facilities for religious reasons, but employers should try to accommodate requests where possible; an unreasonable refusal could amount to discrimination. Apply a fair process, ask for notice and consider flexible hours, annual leave or shift changes.
The UK Civil Service Guide notes that many Jewish employees require leave for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and that some may need the afternoon before Yom Kippur to prepare before the fast begins.
Jewish bereavement at work
Jewish burial arrangements often happen quickly. A colleague may become unavailable with very little notice and then observe shiva after burial. Respond first with compassion and immediate practical cover; discuss longer-term arrangements without expecting them to educate the team while grieving.
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Questions, answered clearly
Must UK employers give leave for Jewish holidays?
There is no automatic right to leave for every religious occasion, but Acas advises employers to try to accommodate requests where possible. Unreasonable refusals can create discrimination risk. Seek HR or legal advice for a specific case.
Which Jewish holidays most often require time off?
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are very widely observed. Traditionally observant employees may also need particular days of Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
Why might someone need to leave before sunset?
Jewish festivals and Shabbat begin in the evening. Preparation and travel must happen beforehand, and winter start times can fall within ordinary working hours.
What should an employer say for Yom Kippur?
“Wishing everyone observing Yom Kippur a meaningful day and an easy fast” is appropriate. Avoid “Happy Yom Kippur”.
How should we ask about observance?
Ask privately and practically: “What adjustments would help you observe?” Do not test religious knowledge or ask someone to represent the whole Jewish community.
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