[UK] Coronation warning for employees

Employees across the UK expecting the extra Bank Holiday to be a day off work to mark the coronation of King Charles III have been cautioned to check first as they may not be entitled to it, HR News reports.

Millions of Brits are making plans for the extra public holiday on May 8, part of the coronation celebration weekend.

However, employment specialist Jayne Holliday - Legal Director at West Midlands law firm Higgs LLP - told HR News that workers should not assume that they will automatically have this extra day off work.

Ms Holliday said, “There is no statutory right for people to have the day off. Ultimately, it is down to what is in an individual’s contract.

“Many contracts will entitle an employee to a certain number of days annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Clearly that covers May 8 and those employees can get the bunting out.

“However, other contracts will specify the number of days annual leave allowed plus the eight usual Bank Holidays.

“If a contract specifically says the usual Bank Holidays, then it will not automatically cover this additional Bank Holiday and a discussion will need to be held between employer and employee.”

A worker who is not entitled to the day off yet refuses to work could reportedly face disciplinary action. But Ms Holliday added that said the situation could change if the business opted to close for the day.

She said, “If the doors are closed and an employee can’t come in then businesses should give them the day off and pay them as the employee has fulfilled their contract in being ‘ready and able for work’.

“In this case, employers cannot force their workers to take a day out of their annual leave entitlement.

“If it’s possible to work from home then that could be a possibility, but that isn’t going to feasible for everyone. For example, many will face childcare issues if there are children at home who are usually at nursery or school.

“Employees are entitled to take Dependants’ Leave, which is unpaid leave for unexpected circumstances.”

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)

Employees across the UK expecting the extra Bank Holiday to be a day off work to mark the coronation of King Charles III have been cautioned to check first as they may not be entitled to it, HR News reports.

Millions of Brits are making plans for the extra public holiday on May 8, part of the coronation celebration weekend.

However, employment specialist Jayne Holliday - Legal Director at West Midlands law firm Higgs LLP - told HR News that workers should not assume that they will automatically have this extra day off work.

Ms Holliday said, “There is no statutory right for people to have the day off. Ultimately, it is down to what is in an individual’s contract.

“Many contracts will entitle an employee to a certain number of days annual leave plus Bank Holidays. Clearly that covers May 8 and those employees can get the bunting out.

“However, other contracts will specify the number of days annual leave allowed plus the eight usual Bank Holidays.

“If a contract specifically says the usual Bank Holidays, then it will not automatically cover this additional Bank Holiday and a discussion will need to be held between employer and employee.”

A worker who is not entitled to the day off yet refuses to work could reportedly face disciplinary action. But Ms Holliday added that said the situation could change if the business opted to close for the day.

She said, “If the doors are closed and an employee can’t come in then businesses should give them the day off and pay them as the employee has fulfilled their contract in being ‘ready and able for work’.

“In this case, employers cannot force their workers to take a day out of their annual leave entitlement.

“If it’s possible to work from home then that could be a possibility, but that isn’t going to feasible for everyone. For example, many will face childcare issues if there are children at home who are usually at nursery or school.

“Employees are entitled to take Dependants’ Leave, which is unpaid leave for unexpected circumstances.”

Source: HR News

(Quotes via original reporting)