Holidays

[Snappy]

I didnt know where to put this but its kind of about money so here it is! My boss has told me because we're closing for three days over xmas that i have to use 3 of my holidays for this, is this right? Some people iv asked say no but others say they have to do the same. Which is the right thing?

[Shipstabber]

My Mother works for the local council and everyone has to take leave between Xmas and New Year because the offices shut down. I'd have thought that if such a large and public organisation as the local government are doing it then it musn't be illegal or anyting.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Speak to Personnel, I think you will find that it will be written into your contract somewhere.  I am sure the unions would challenge it.  However, many years ago when I started in local govt. the council gave us a day at Xmas over and above our annual leave to encourage us to take 2 days holiday.  Someone protested and the Council had to roll over, following year they took the free day off us!  So one person got their way and 250 other staff suffered!

[BenDToy]

I am virtually certain that your contract of employment will say that holidays can be taken at times to be agreed with management. What they are planning to do is reasonable, legal and normal practice in many businesses. What do you suggest as an alternative? Open the business when there is no need, just to save your holidays? Lay you off without pay for these days?

[Peter Pedant]

yeah I agree with shipstabber,

they probably can.

[Hgrove]

I believe that, unfortunately, they can, however convenient for them and unfair for you.

[Miss Zippy]

It is quite common in some industries for employers to choose to shut down for certain periods during which all or some groups of workers have to use their annual holiday entitlement. I�m afraid your employer can stipulate when you take your take your holiday. Restrictions on taking holidays may be expressly stated in your contract of employment, implied from custom and practice or incorporated into individual contracts from a collective agreement between the employer and trade union(s).

[stoo_pid]

I'm afraid your boss is working completely within the law.  As employees we are all entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks leave (20 days) a year.  If your boss really wanted to he could insist you take all 20 days on specific days as long as the period of notice he gave you is twice that of the holiday (e.g. if he wants you to take 3 days off he only has to give you 6 days notice)

Click here for the boring legal stuff: http://www.legislation.hmso.g ov.uk/si/si1998/19981833.htm#15

and

http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/work_time_regs/

 

[stoo_pid]

hmmm, that 1st link didn't work. 2nd time lucky?

 

http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1998/19981833.htm#15