Annual Leave denied by line manager

[RyanJohn]

Hello, i started a job a couple of months ago in a care home, it is my first time in employment so i am looking for some advice. I recently spoke to my line manager to see if he could put me in for my annual leave, I had left it until now because i felt nervous about immediately booking in for an annual leave after starting, wanted to work a bit first as i might not have stayed at the job if i really didnt like it. Had no issues so far, i havent missed any days, was only late on one occasion due to train strikes but overall i dont think i have caused any problems, however, I have been told quite bluntly that there is no space for holidays until after December, as i have already been working 3 months i was hoping i could get one week in for september or october but only one kitchen assistant can be off at a time according to the rules here. So its looking like i might not get my holidays until january, february, or even later and at that point i have already been working for 8-10 months without annual leave and quite frankly i dont think i will stay for much longer if that is the case.

Are there any options here for me? I dont see how its fair for me to wait up to 8 months just to take one week of my annual leave, considering im entilted to 28 days per year, i dont complain about any days im put in and i dont even care quite frankly when my annual leave is, i just want a break at some time. Appreciate any responses,

Thanks, Ryan.

 

[NicoJ]

Your employer is quite within their rights to deny the holiday request. You have been given the reason, your co workers have simply got their holidays in first this time.

You could ask to discuss this with your manager or HR department if you feel that you need the break and see if there is anything they can do.

 

[fisicx]

Hi @RyanJohn and welcome to UKBF.

What does it say in your contract and the staff handbook?

It’s probable everyone else put in holiday requests at the beginning of the year and took all the available slots. I knowit is annoying but this is a common occurrence in many businesses.

Even if you left to start a new job somewhere else and the situation will likely be the same.

 

[Deleted member 335660]

You say you have been there 8-10 months and only one assistant can be off at a time.
Have you checked with the other assistants when they are on holiday to find a week when they are not away.

It is accepted in many jobs that you can’t take holiday until you have been there some time but it seems unreasonable that you cannot take a week off after8 months, let alone 10.

When did you start working there’s?

 

[Bob Morgan]

How would they cope if you fell under a bus?

 

[fisicx]

How would they cope if you fell under a bus?

Get a temp in.

 

[Newchodge]

Do you know when your annual leave year runs? It may be January to December or April to March. You need to find this out, first.

 

[RyanJohn]

Do you know when your annual leave year runs? It may be January to December or April to March. You need to find this out, first.

Yes, it runs from April to March.

 

[Newchodge]

Your employer is entitled to have rules about when holiday is taken and how many people may be absent. At the same time they must also take into account health and safety and the need for time off.

I suggest that you either point out that, because of this, you will have to take your entire year's holiday in the 3 months January to March, which is not acceptable from a health and safety point of view

OR

Tell them that you are not prepared to work for 7 months or more without any time off so you are looking for another job (you shouldn't have much difficulty finding one). If you do this you MUST be prepared to leave if they still refuse to allow any leave - if you do not carry through with it they will know they canm treat you badly with impugnity.

 

[RyanJohn]

Hi @RyanJohn and welcome to UKBF.

What does it say in your contract and the staff handbook?

It’s probable everyone else put in holiday requests at the beginning of the year and took all the available slots. I knowit is annoying but this is a common occurrence in many businesses.

Even if you left to start a new job somewhere else and the situation will likely be the same.

I have looked through everything and cannot find anything in particular. I

Your employer is entitled to have rules about when holiday is taken and how many people may be absent. At the same time they must also take into account health and safety and the need for time off.

I suggest that you either point out that, because of this, you will have to take your entire year's holiday in the 3 months January to March, which is not acceptable from a health and safety point of view

OR

Tell them that you are not prepared to work for 7 months or more without any time off so you are looking for another job (you shouldn't have much difficulty finding one). If you do this you MUST be prepared to leave if they still refuse to allow any leave - if you do not carry through with it they will know they canm treat you badly with impugnity.

I will speak to them, thank you very much for the reponses.