Christmas Day has never been a Bank Holiday in the UK; it is a holiday in Common Law (as is Good Friday).
Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim year) is a period of fasting and prayer (fast is from sunrise to sunset each day). Muslims continue to work normally during this period, but have a holiday (Eid-ul-Fitr) as soon as Ramadan is over.
reinganum there is one point about Ramadan that you are probably unaware of.
Having worked in the Middle East I can tell you that many muslims do not work normally during that period. They turn up for work, but expect an easy time because they are tired having been up all night eating.
panicbutton,no one ever believes that c/day is not a b/hol in the u.k ,but is isn't,good fri is as is the 1'st jan in scotland not england.it makes for very difficult negotiations at wage and conditions consultations.