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What are the minimum paid holiday rights for workers?
I just started a new job and they have only given me 15 days holiday. I work 9-6 Mon to Fri. Where do I stand on this? I have not signed the contract yet as nothing has been cleared up but they have given me my 1st paycheck.
There is a minimum right to paid holiday, but your employer may offer more than this. The main things you should know about holiday rights are:
- currently you are entitled to a minimum of 20 working days paid holiday per year
- from 1 October this year you are entitled to a minimum of 24 working days paid holiday per year
- your entitlement will increase to 28 working days paid holiday per year from 1 October 2008
- if you work part-time you are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
- you start building up holiday as soon as you start work
- your employer can control when you take your holiday
- you get paid your normal pay for your holiday
- when you finish a job, you get paid for any holiday you’ve not taken
- bank and public holidays in Britain can be included in your minimum entitlement
There are eight days public holidays in the UK which can count as part of your entitlement.
In order to qualify for the right to annual leave you need to be classed as a worker. If you’re self-employed, you have no statutory right to paid annual leave.
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