Low paid workers are to gain under plans for more annual leave

19 June 2006:

Low paid workers are to gain under plans for 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, were set out in a Government consultation. The proposals mean that up to two million of the lowest paid stand to benefit from additional leave, with women, part-timers and those from ethnic minorities likely to gain the most.

The Government proposes to phase in the additional leave starting with an increase from 20 to 24 days (pro rata for part time workers) from 1st October 2007. 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; or,
- in two phases, increasing to 26 days in October 2008 and 28 days from October 2009.

The consultation closes on 22nd September 2006.

Increasing the holiday entitlement - an initial consultation, can be found at:

Web: [www.dti.gov.uk/employment/holidays/index.html]