Orthodox Concern at GMT Plan
The Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations (UOHC) has objected to plans to abandon Greenwich Mean Time, arguing that religious Jews would face "tremendous hardship" if the clocks did not go back in October.
The Charedi organisation raised its concerns after Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that extending British summer time was "worthy of consideration".
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The UOHC said that since Jews pray three times daily, starting at sunrise, if summer time was extended the earliest time for morning prayers would be 8.10am in London, causing some people to be late for work. It added: "Many shuls would cease to function as people going to work at this late hour would not be able to attend prayers." According to the UOHC, fast days would also be more difficult to observe due to ending later.
The United Synagogue has also expressed concerns. Chief Executive Jeremy Jacobs said: "The proposals would create difficulties for many members and we hope the government will give this serious consideration."
Brown told tourism leaders that he was "thinking carefully" about ending Greenwich Mean Time. He said: "We have got to keep this under review. I can't promise a three-year trial but it is something I was thinking about."
Tourism experts say a change would mean people could visit outdoor attractions for longer, creating extra revenue.
Jon Benjamin of the Board of Deputies said: "We understand the concerns and will continue to monitor the situation."
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