Holiday Pay

[johnt5293]

Hi guys,

Just a quick question regarding holidays...

I have just started a new job with a company, and whilst talking about time off, the manager commented that "time off isn't an issue, we're dead flexible. Technically you have to work here a year before you're entitled to holidays..."

I started proper on tuesday 1st June, having done a 2 week trial before that. I am having the 10th and 11th of june off for a pre-arranged prior engagement, which I told them about during my trial (prompting the above comment from my manager).

I don't expect, and aren't really bothered about being paid for these 2 days as i don't feel morally entitled to pay for these days regardless of what any legal side would say.

However, when it comes to Christmas and i have 2 weeks off because the company is shut, i would obviously prefer not to miss 2 weeks wages.

Is it still legal to make employees work a year before taking paid leave? I seem to remember another company doing this, and due to some EU legislation, they had to give 2-3 people double holidays.

Thanks in advance

John

 

[Christiane]

I've never heard of this practice in the UK. I know they do in France and have done for many years.
Here my understanding is that you're supposed to accrue holidays from the start and able to take them as soon as you have enough.
Read this guide, might help.
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=806

 

[Earlsweb]

Perhaps they mean for the first year you accrue holiday in arrears, ie not allowed to take holiday until it is accrued. But after the first year it can be taken in advance?

 

[sjbeale]

You accrue holidays from day one of employment and should be able to negotiated pre-planned holiday with a new employer and ongoing; usually there is a policy in place or details are written in your contract. Employers have the right to request you to reserve days for shut downs, etc.

 

[johnt5293]

Thanks for the reply guys...

Earlsweb, i hadn't actually thought of that to be honest. I'm sure it will be ok, it seems like a good company anyway. Just thought i would double check where i stand 'just incase'

Thanks again

John