6 Million Extra 'Hols' For UK

Last updated: 25/06/2007 - 12:50

Six million workers in Britain have been promised up to eight extra days annual holiday with the first four coming in October this year. The extra holidays will benefit up to 3.5 million women and 2.5 million men.

The Government has published new regulations to boost the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 days a year to 24 days this October, and to 28 days from April 2009.

Jim Fitzpatrick, Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Employment Relations Minister said: "This extra time off will make a real difference in the lives of hard-working people - a proper rest from work and more time to spend with their families and friends.

"Businesses will benefit too - from reduced absenteeism and a workforce who are more motivated and productive. We have listened to all parties responding in the latest consultation, and we have agreed a number of changes in the way the new holidays will be brought in."

This means:

  • To encourage early implementation and simplify arrangements for good employers who decide to offer their workers the entitlement faster, the regulations state that those companies who offer their workers 28 days leave or more by 1 October 2007 and meet certain other related standards will not be bound by the new legislation, so long as they continue to meet these standards


  • As a transitional measure, companies will be allowed to continue to buy out the additional leave entitlement (the four extra days) introduced from October this year until 1 April 2009


  • After 1 April 2009 the buyout of any of the additional leave entitlement will cease


  • All part-time workers will be entitled to the extra holidays pro-rata


  • The DTI will set up an online calculator to make it simpler for everybody to work out their new holiday entitlement


    • Follow this link for current guidance on work and families and holiday entitlements from the DTI.

    More information available in Work Life Balance, Leisure Breaks, Holidays

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