Happy Holidays?
Happy Holidays?
The festive season is almost here and employees in all industries will face very different working schedules over the Christmas period. But what rights do employees have to take time off, especially at this time of year?
There are three days over Christmas which are classed as Bank Holidays – these are Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Whilst many employees will find that their employer is closed on these days, there is no legal right to take paid leave on Bank Holidays. Many employers will include these days within employees’ paid holiday entitlement.
Similarly, there is no legal requirement for employers to grant requests for annual leave on religious grounds, although employers are obligated not to favour one group over another in this regard. In fact there is no legal provision which treats Christmas differently to any other time of the year, so it is for employers to decide at their discretion how much, if any, extra leave can be given over the period.
The same applies to pay – unless specifically covered in an employees’ contract. Employers have no legal obligation to pay extra to employees working during the Christmas Bank Holidays.
In conclusion, it is best to consult your contract and your employer early to ensure that your Christmas isn’t spent at the office!