HR Industry News

Holiday plans welcomed by unions

— 27 July 2007 —

Plans by the government to prevent firms from deducting bank holidays from their workers’ annual leave entitlement have been welcomed by union leaders.

Jim Fitzpatrick, DTI Employment Relations Minister also announced recently that minimum annual leave entitlement will rise from 20 to 24 days in October 2007 this year, rising to 28 days in April 2009.

The Minister is reported as saying that this extra time off will make a real difference in the lives of hard-working people - a proper rest from work and more time to spend with their families and friends.

He went on to say that businesses will benefit too - from reduced absenteeism and a workforce who are more motivated and productive.

Commenting on the news, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said that it is another important milestone on the road to giving workers in the UK the same holiday rights as those enjoyed by their colleagues in the rest of Europe.

The DTI has however confirmed that companies will be allowed to continue to buy out the additional leave entitlement until April 1, 2009.

Barber added that although many will be disappointed that, as a result of employer lobbying, the extra leave will be phased in, the Government is still on course to meet its manifesto commitment.

The union is also continuing its campaign to increase the number of bank holidays in the UK.

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