An ultraviolet reflecting layer and a fluorescent lamp is described, comprising an envelope having an inner surface, means within the lamp envelope for generating ultraviolet radiation, a light emitting layer of a luminescent material for generating visible light when impinged by ultraviolet radiation, and said ultraviolet reflecting layer, located between the light emitting layer and the inner surface of the lamp envelope, wherein the ultraviolet reflecting layer comprises a metal phosphate and/or a metal borate, with the metal being selected from Sc, Y, La, Gd, Lu and Al, or combinations thereof. The phosphates or borates used in the ultraviolet reflecting layer may optionally be doped by a Tb3+ and/or Dy3+ activator, to further improve the quantum yield of the conversion of UV radiation into visible light.