Partner Article

Extra leave for British workers

Around 6m workers are to receive an extra eight days holiday under new government plans. Employers will no longer be able to count the eight bank holidays as part of annual leave entitlement, currently a statutory minimum of 20 days.

The Department of Trade and Industry said that women, part-time and low-paid workers and ethnic minority communities stand to receive the greatest increase in leave. It is estimated that 13% of workers in the North East will benefit from the change. Four leave days will be added from October and another four from 2008.

Jim Fitzpatrick, DTI Minister for Employment Relations, said: “Most companies already recognise that good holiday provision makes good business sense. Holiday entitlement can be a key factor in recruiting and retaining staff. Holidays are also important for productivity as they help minimise sick leave and keep people motivated and refreshed. “We’ve worked closely with business and have wanted to make sure that they have time to prepare for the changes. “People work hard and they deserve a decent break. We want to make sure everyone gets the holiday they are entitled to.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .