Low paid workers to benefit from more annual leave

Plans to ensure that workers get to take paid leave for bank holidays in addition to the statutory four weeks annual leave, have been set out in a government consultation.

The proposals mean that up to two million of the lowest paid workers will benefit from additional leave, with women, part-timers and those from ethnic minorities likely to gain the most.

Publishing the consultation, Employment Relations Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The government intends to honour its commitment and make sure that workers have the right to take paid bank holiday leave and not have to use them as part of their 20 day holiday entitlement.

"When we gave everyone the right to four weeks annual leave in 1998, two million workers got paid holiday for the very first time. There are still many people, particularly the lowest paid, who have to take bank holidays from their leave entitlement. The government is determined to put this right and ensure they get the extra leave they deserve.

It is planned to phase in the additional leave starting with an increase from 20 to 24 days (pro rata) for part-time workers) from October 1 2007.

Views are being sought on whether the rest of the leave should be introduced in one stage from either October 2008 or 2009 or in two phases, increasing to 26 days in October 2008 and 28 days from October 2009.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Paid holiday leave is essential to allow people work life balance and a way to take time out for themselves. Many good businesses already offer more paid holiday than the statutory four weeks, recognising that it can help keep staff motivated and loyal to the company.

"I hope that businesses, unions and individuals will take part in this consultation and give us their views so that we can work together to introduced this new right without placing unnecessary burdens on business."

The publication of the consultation was welcomed by the Trades Union Congress. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Today's announcement is a victory for union campaigning and was one of the key commitments made by the government. The changes mean up to two million workers will get a well-deserved extra eight days' paid holiday per year.

"The proposals will also close a loophole which allowed bosses to force staff to take bank holidays from their four weeks' annual leave. They will no longer be able to do this and all full-time employees can look forward to a minimum of 28 days' holiday a year.

"The TUC looks forward to responding in detail to the consultation to ensure that all UK workers, especially the low-paid, get the chance as soon as possible to spend a decent amount of time away from work and with their families and friends."

The consultation closes on September 22, 2006.

(KMcA)