Email 4, Meeting Request: To HR Manager Hi, We have had several holiday requests during our busiest period in the finance department. Year end is a key task for the finance team, and all the team need to pull together to meet the statutory requirements of submitting the financial accounts on time. Some team members such as Ali and Mohammed are insisting (on grounds of their religion) that I must authorise their time off so they can take part in their annual pilgrimage to Mecca. I am unclear on what my position is and whether I can refuse the request. In addition to this Mary is complaining that fellow colleagues have been making fun of her being a vegan and that this is causing her to become very distressed. I am not sure I can do much for Mary and believe I should have a gentle word with her about being over-sensitive. Finally, Todd, who has been an employee for 14 months has been absent from work on a regular basis. Todd tends to call in sick on a Friday or a Monday (long weekend) but the reason for his sickness is different every time. I am now highly frustrated with his absence and although his notice period is three months, I am going to dismiss him on grounds of conduct and only pay him his outstanding holiday entitlement. He has had two verbal warnings from me about this conduct, so I now feel I have no choice. Could you please advise on the legal obligations and risks in relation to the scenario above and provide me with advice on the following?

(1) How should I manage Ali & Mohammed's leave requests? (2) Explain if there is any legal protection linked to Mary's circumstances that I need to consider? (3) In terms of Todd can you identify if there any legal obligations I need to be aware of, and can he make any claims against the organisation?