New Holiday Entitlement Regulations Published
13 Jun 2007
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has published regulations to increase the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 to 28 days.
From 1 October 2007 the holiday entitlement will increase from 20 to 24 days. However, under a change to the initial proposals the increase from 24 to 28 days has been delayed until 1 April 2009.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for a longer phasing in of the holiday, including a study of the impact of the first four extra days on small business.
The new regulations will also allow employers to buy out the additional four days holiday until 1 April 2009, but after this date there will be no option to buy out the additional holiday.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the delay of the second phase of holiday entitlement from 24 to 28 days to 1 April 2009. We have argued that the change coming in October creates complications for employers calculating leave entitlements. This remains the case for 1 October 2007 and that is a major disappointment.
“We are also disappointed that the Government has chosen to not allow buy out of the extra holiday. This should have been introduced to allow greater flexibility to employers and employees.
“It is now time for the Government to take a serious look at the cumulative impact of the number of new burdens that they have placed on small employers. Each new cost further undermines the ability of small retailers to invest and grow. A study is required into the impact of recent employment burdens and the policy approach to small businesses needs an overhaul.
“ACS will be helping retailers to implement this change and will be publishing advice to assist with the regulation.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The holiday entitlement regulations have now been placed before Parliament and should be approved by the end of the June.
From 1 October 2007 the holiday entitlement will increase from 20 to 24 days. However, under a change to the initial proposals the increase from 24 to 28 days has been delayed until 1 April 2009.
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for a longer phasing in of the holiday, including a study of the impact of the first four extra days on small business.
The new regulations will also allow employers to buy out the additional four days holiday until 1 April 2009, but after this date there will be no option to buy out the additional holiday.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the delay of the second phase of holiday entitlement from 24 to 28 days to 1 April 2009. We have argued that the change coming in October creates complications for employers calculating leave entitlements. This remains the case for 1 October 2007 and that is a major disappointment.
“We are also disappointed that the Government has chosen to not allow buy out of the extra holiday. This should have been introduced to allow greater flexibility to employers and employees.
“It is now time for the Government to take a serious look at the cumulative impact of the number of new burdens that they have placed on small employers. Each new cost further undermines the ability of small retailers to invest and grow. A study is required into the impact of recent employment burdens and the policy approach to small businesses needs an overhaul.
“ACS will be helping retailers to implement this change and will be publishing advice to assist with the regulation.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
2. The holiday entitlement regulations have now been placed before Parliament and should be approved by the end of the June.