Government offers compromise on leave for offshore workers

The government is standing by a "compromise" proposal that could give many offshore workers an extra two weeks' on-shore leave, following the extension of the Working Time Regulations to previously excluded sectors in August.

The regulations actually entitle workers to four weeks' paid leave a year but contain no detailed guidance as to how this should be applied in the offshore sector. Legal action backed by the offshore unions may be needed to clarify the law.

Offshore employers take the view that holiday entitlement is already provided for in existing working patterns. Employment minister Gerry Sutcliffe put forward the two-week compromise to the employers' association (UKOOA) in July.

Offshore unions are critical of this approach. Graham Tran, Amicus Regional Officer said: "The government knows they got it wrong and are pleading with all the parties to sort it out for them".

Nevertheless, he is pleased that the minister has gone 'on record' in the House of Commons by re-stating the government's view, which could help the unions' case in any future tribunal or court proceedings.