As Christmas fast approaches, Acas have published guidance on some of the difficult issues which can arise where holidays and changing working patterns can cause workplace challenges which need to be handled with care. Acas point out that ironically, in the season of goodwill, conflicts between employer and employee frequently rise. But they can be managed, or avoided all together, if all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Acas answer some of the most common questions that it handles in the run up to Christmas including: can an employee refuse to work over the Christmas period on religious grounds?; and, what can we do if we suspect unjustified sickness absence during the Christmas period?

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