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date: 13 September 2006

embargo: For immediate release

Planned holiday increase will benefit two million employees

Plans to increase holiday leave for around two million full time employees next year will bring huge benefits to workers and employers alike, says the TUC today (Wednesday) in its submission to the Government's consultation on increasing the UK's statutory minimum annual leave.

The TUC report says that increasing the minimum amount of annual leave to 28 days for full timers is a completely affordable move and the Government should ignore employer claims that the proposed changes will prove too expensive.

At the moment, mean employers can force staff to take the UK's eight bank holidays from their annual leave entitlement, leaving some staff with as little as 12 days holiday. From next October, this legal loophole will be closed and employers will no longer be able to do this.

Using official figures, the TUC has calculated that some two million individuals will be holiday winners, with staff employed in shops, warehouses, health, cleaning, and bars, hotels and restaurants most likely to benefit.

Back in 1999, when the working times rules came into force giving all full time employees a minimum of four weeks holiday a year, around six million people saw their annual leave entitlement increase, and there was no negative impact on the economy. The TUC expects a similar outcome when these new regulations are introduced in October 2007.

Rather than making false claims about affordability, the TUC submission says that employers should welcome the proposed changes. Employers who offer a decent salary and benefits package find it easier holding onto staff and holiday-poor employees are likely to be less productive.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Increasing the minimum amount of holiday leave is another step down the road to a better work/life balance and that is good news for workers and for their bosses. Everyone needs a decent time off work if they are to avoid feeling overworked and stressed. The increase in annual leave will give employees time to recharge their batteries and return to work refreshed.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 13 Sep 2006