ETHNIC workers will be allowed to wear special costumes at work and take time off for religious festivals when new guidelines are brought in at County Hall.

County council bosses will have to follow strict guidelines to ensure the religious and cultural needs of workers are protected when new working practices are introduced.

The code of practice will protect people's rights to pray at certain time, allow staff to take time off for religious festivals and also means canteens will have to provide meals for workers with special diets.

Staff will not be discouraged from wearing traditional dress and jewellery and special arrangements will be made so people have a quiet place to pray in. Special leave of up to six days will be available for anyone planning to celebrate the wedding or go to the funeral of a close relative.

Lancashire County Council is planning to bring in the guidelines to help get rid of racial discrimination in the workplace.

These are based on a national document drawn up by the Commission for Racial Equality.

Council chiefs are recommending councillors approve the regulations when an employment sub-committee meets next Thursday. A county council report reads: "Advice is regularly sought on arrangements by managers and employees reflecting an increasingly diverse workforce.

"The code has been drawn up to assist in promoting a sensitive and consistent approach on such matters which reflects a proper balance between the religious and cultural needs of employees and the need to deliver efficient and effective services."

Unions and bosses were consulted before the final draft of the code was drawn up. And a list of festivals for various religions has been drawn up as a guide for managers.

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