This is to happen in two stages. The Government has since consulted about the proposed changes and decided to delay the second stage of the increase which will now take effect from 1 April 2009 rather than 1 October 2008.
The Government has now clarified that the current basic four weeks’ holiday entitlement under the Regulations will be increased to 4.8 weeks from 1 October 2007 and to 5.6 weeks from 1 April 2009. Thus for an employee who works a five-day week, holiday entitlement must increase to 24 days from October 2007 and to 28 days from April 2009.
As was previously the case, these amounts can include bank holidays. Depending on when an employee’s holiday year starts, the changes to holiday entitlement can make the calculation of their new entitlement a little complicated. The Government has usefully provided a ready reckoner which helps you calculate increased holiday entitlement for staff. This can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/employment/holidays
For further information contact David Seals on 01737 854573 or email david.seals@morrlaw.com
