Millions benefiting from new holiday rules this Christmas

24/12/2007

More than 20% of workers will be able to take more time off this Christmas now that the minimum annual leave entitlement has been increased, the government announced today.

In October 2007, the government rasied the annual leave entitlement for full-time workers from 20 to 24 days to stop employers from counting bank and public holidays as part of an employee’s yearly allowance.

As a result, around six million workers have had access to extra paid leave and have been able take more time off over the Christmas period, the government said.

The government wants to ensure that all employees are given 20 days paid holiday a year in addition to time off for bank holidays.

Employment relations minister, Pat McFadden, commented: “These changes will help bring some extra Christmas cheer to millions of people who have worked hard all year and deserve a break to relax and spend time with their families and friends.

“Most full time workers already receive 20 days or more paid leave, not counting bank holidays, and many part-timers receive an equivalent entitlement. Those who do not are likely to be in lower paid occupations. These changes will help ensure a fair deal on leave for all full-time staff.”

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added that businesses should be supportive of the change.

“The government is right to tackle the counting of bank holidays as annual leave. It is counter productive of businesses to deprive their workers of holidays that others who are employed get as a right.”

Minimum holiday allowance will increase further to 28 days in April 2009.