Plan to grant workers in North 10 extra days holiday
Workers in the North are to be guaranteed up to 10 days additional paid holiday a year under plans unveiled by the British government today.
The plan will ensure workers get paid for bank and public holidays in addition to their current statutory four weeks annual leave.
The proposals are being put out for public consultation until mid-October.
The British government intends workers will get an additional eight or 10 days paid holiday a year – phased in from next year.
Providing for an extra eight days would bring the North into line with the UK, where there are eight bank and public holidays, whilst an extra 10 days would reflect the number in the North.
Ministers said the plan would see the lowest paid, women, part-timers and those from ethnic minorities gaining the most.
Launching the consultation document, northern employment and learning minister Maria Eagle, said: “When we gave everyone the right to four weeks annual leave in 1998 many workers got paid holidays for the very first time.
“There are still many people, particularly the lowest paid, who have to take bank and public holidays from their leave entitlement. These proposals will mean that those workers will receive additional paid holidays.”
The government propose the additional leave will be phased in starting with an increase from 20 to 24 days holiday – pro-rata for part time workers – from October 1 2007.
The consultation is seeking views on whether the rest of the leave should be introduced on one stage from October 2008, in one stage from October 2009 or in two phases from October 2008 and 2009.
The minister said the importance of keeping workers motivated should not be underestimated.
“Paid holiday leave is essential to allow people work life balance and a way to take time out for themselves.
“Many good businesses already offer more paid holiday than the statutory four weeks, recognising that it can help keep staff motivated and loyal to the company,” she said.
Ms Eagle said she hoped employers, unions and individuals would take part in the consultation so the government could work with them to introduce the new right without placing unnecessary burdens on business.”
Employers body the CBI said the changes must be phased.
A spokesman said: “Companies clearly want their staff to enjoy adequate paid holiday, but at the same time the work needs to be done.
“These proposals introduce potential additional cost for business and I think a disproportionate amount of that cost will fall on small businesses.”
