The Board of Deputies has produced a guide to help employers avoid conflicts with their Jewish staff.

The Employers Guide to Judaism was launched by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith on Thursday, with a message from the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis

The 14-page booklet, which is available online and as a hard copy, explains Jewish beliefs and values and why observant employees may need time off work to keep Shabbat and festivals.

It also has sections on food and clothing and Jewish practice after a death.

The booklet gives advice to employees on their legal rights and what they should do in the event of a conflict with their boss.

"The guide sets out the issues for employers and employees in a clear, concise, user-friendly way, explaining current legislation," said Marie van der Zyle, an employment lawyer Board vice-president responsible for covering issues around religious freedoms.

She added: "The message is that there is no conflict between being an observant Jew and a fully productive member of staff."

Rabbi Mirvis said the guide was "a valuable tool".