Menu
31/07/2006
NI workers to get additional paid holidays
Local workers will have their paid leave entitlement raised by either eight or 10 days, the government has today revealed.
The proposals, which are being issued for consultation, will provide workers with the extra days in addition to their current statutory four weeks annual leave.
Providing for an extra eight days, would bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, where there are currently eight bank and public holidays, while an additional ten days would reflect the number in Northern Ireland.
They would also see the lowest paid, women, part-timers and those from ethnic minorities gaining the most.
Launching the consultation document, Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle, said: "When we gave everyone the right to four weeks annual leave in 1998 many workers got paid holidays for the very first time. There are still many people, particularly the lowest paid, who have to take bank and public holidays from their leave entitlement. These proposals will mean that those workers will receive additional paid holidays."
It is proposed that the additional leave will be phased in starting with an increase from 20 to 24 days (pro rata for part time workers) from October 1 2007 and in addition views are being sought on whether the rest of the leave should be introduced: In one stage, from October 2008; In one stage, from October 2009; In two phases, from October 2008 and October 2009.
The Minister stressed the importance of keeping workers motivated should not be underestimated and added: "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 employers, unions and individuals will take part in this consultation and give us their views so that we can work together to introduce this new right without placing unnecessary burdens on business."
The consultation period is due to close on October 19 2006.
(EF)
The proposals, which are being issued for consultation, will provide workers with the extra days in addition to their current statutory four weeks annual leave.
Providing for an extra eight days, would bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, where there are currently eight bank and public holidays, while an additional ten days would reflect the number in Northern Ireland.
They would also see the lowest paid, women, part-timers and those from ethnic minorities gaining the most.
Launching the consultation document, Minister for Employment and Learning, Maria Eagle, said: "When we gave everyone the right to four weeks annual leave in 1998 many workers got paid holidays for the very first time. There are still many people, particularly the lowest paid, who have to take bank and public holidays from their leave entitlement. These proposals will mean that those workers will receive additional paid holidays."
It is proposed that the additional leave will be phased in starting with an increase from 20 to 24 days (pro rata for part time workers) from October 1 2007 and in addition views are being sought on whether the rest of the leave should be introduced: In one stage, from October 2008; In one stage, from October 2009; In two phases, from October 2008 and October 2009.
The Minister stressed the importance of keeping workers motivated should not be underestimated and added: "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 employers, unions and individuals will take part in this consultation and give us their views so that we can work together to introduce this new right without placing unnecessary burdens on business."
The consultation period is due to close on October 19 2006.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
06 July 2021
Rural Training Opportunities Fund Announced
Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has announced the launch of the £65,000 Prosper + Project, an economic boost for rural residents in the Newry, Mourne & Down and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council areas. The Project, which has been developed in conjunction with the Southern Regional College (SRC), operates on the basis of two Strands.
Rural Training Opportunities Fund Announced
Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots has announced the launch of the £65,000 Prosper + Project, an economic boost for rural residents in the Newry, Mourne & Down and Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council areas. The Project, which has been developed in conjunction with the Southern Regional College (SRC), operates on the basis of two Strands.
24 July 2018
Ian Paisley Suspended From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley is to be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 sitting days. MPs voted to suspend Mr Paisley after he failed to declare two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. His absence is expected to last until October and he will not receive a salary for a month.
Ian Paisley Suspended From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley is to be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 sitting days. MPs voted to suspend Mr Paisley after he failed to declare two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. His absence is expected to last until October and he will not receive a salary for a month.
14 January 2008
Assembly Approves Extra Leave Legislation
There's to be a phased introduction of new legislation for increased holiday entitlement for Ulster workers. Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey welcomed the Assembly's approval this week of new regulations, which increased Northern Ireland workers' paid leave entitlement – with effect from last October.
Assembly Approves Extra Leave Legislation
There's to be a phased introduction of new legislation for increased holiday entitlement for Ulster workers. Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey welcomed the Assembly's approval this week of new regulations, which increased Northern Ireland workers' paid leave entitlement – with effect from last October.
07 September 2018
Belfast Primark Workers To Be Paid Until End Of The Year
Primark has announced staff who were employed at the fire-hit store on Royal Avenue will be paid up until 31 December. The news has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Councillor, Ciaran Beattie. He said: "I had spoken to the union which represents the Primark workers and it was made clear the focus had to be on providing assurances to the workers.
Belfast Primark Workers To Be Paid Until End Of The Year
Primark has announced staff who were employed at the fire-hit store on Royal Avenue will be paid up until 31 December. The news has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Councillor, Ciaran Beattie. He said: "I had spoken to the union which represents the Primark workers and it was made clear the focus had to be on providing assurances to the workers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
