Doubts over new guidelines allowing swift reopening of British mosques

British mosques should only reopen after the coronavirus pandemic when it is safe to do so, said a cleric who was consulted on the planned relaxation of restrictions next week.

The UK government is expected to announce the reopening of churches, mosques and synagogues in England for private prayer from June 15.

But the chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, Qari Asim, said it would "cause more challenges" to move too fast in lifting the restrictions.

Mr Asim is advising mosques not to reopen until they can hold congregational prayer.

"The fundamental difference between mosques and some other places of worship is that mosques are first and foremost used for congregational prayers," he told the BBC.

"Individual prayers can be performed anywhere, primarily at homes.

"Accordingly, opening the mosques on June 15 will cause more challenges for mosques and imams, as the expectation from the community will be to resume collective worship."

The advisory board has called on the government to allow small groups to meet for the five daily prayers in mosques, as long as social distancing and other measures are respected.

It has prepared guidelines for mosques, including social-distance markings, controls at entrances and exits, and the closure of ablutions.

Mr Asim is urging mosques to reopen only when it is safe.

The UK's Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has said reopening places of worship is a priority and praised communities for their "enormous patience and forbearance".

Mosques, churches and synagogues have been closed for almost two months after the pandemic forced the government to impose emergency measures.

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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.