Employees’ rights regarding holiday pay and entitlements

Employees’ rights regarding holiday pay and entitlements

Working Time Regulations – Holidays and Bank Holidays

In the UK, the standard statutory annual leave entitlement is 28 days for full-time employees, this includes bank holidays. However, due to Easter falling later in 2025, there is one less bank holiday between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 meaning there is seven rather than eight.

Employers who provide the statutory 28 days of annual leave may need to account for the fewer bank holidays by allowing an additional day off to ensure that employees receive their full holiday entitlement. Contracts of Employment that state ’20 days plus bank holidays’ will also be entitled to 1 extra day’s holiday or they will risk unlawful deduction claims.

This situation also highlights the importance of reviewing employment contracts and understanding their employees’ rights regarding holiday pay and entitlements.

Providing employees with the extra day’s holiday also plays into the conversation around work-life balance and employers recognising the importance of their employee’s wellbeing.

Of course, there is always going to be an impact on employers and the business in providing an additional day’s holiday. However, this is a low-risk option compared to a high-risk option of doing nothing and potentially having a claim made against them for unlawful deduction from wages.

In summary, as the number of bank holidays is decreased, employees may find themselves entitled to an extra day off in 2024-2025, depending on their specific employment arrangements. It is crucial for workers to be aware of their rights and to engage in discussions with their employers about holiday entitlements, ensuring a fair and balanced approach to annual leave.

How can we help?

If you require assistance, please contact Annalie King, Partner and Head of our Employment Law team at Kerseys Solicitors in Ipswich at [email protected] or telephone 01473 213311 or Kerseys Solicitors in Felixstowe at [email protected] on 01394 834557 or Kerseys Solicitors in Woodbridge at [email protected] on 01394 813732 or Kerseys Solicitors in Colchester at [email protected] on 01206 584584., alternatively can email us at [email protected] or visit our website and click “Call Me Back” and a member of our Employment Law team will be happy to contact you at a time that is convenient to you for your free 30 minute initial consultation.