Holiday rights boost

Statutory holiday entitlement increases for all staff classed as employees or workers from 1 April 2009. The amount of paid holiday workers should receive is now 5.6 weeks or 28 days for those who work a standard five-day week. This has increased from the minimum of 24 days set in October 2007. Statutory holiday entitlement was introduced in 1998.

The proportional relation of holiday to work across the year is now 12.1%. Bectu broadcasting union points out that this means freelancers and contract staff will be entitled to a 12.1% holiday payment if they do not take holiday during the duration of a contract. The figures are statutory minima and many employees will be covered by more favourable agreements.

For further information see: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_10029788