Today is the first anniversary of the increase in minimum paid annual leave from three weeks to four.
The entitlement, implemented as part of the Working Time regulations, is estimated to have benefited some three million workers.
Department of Trade and Industry minister Alan Johnson said adequate paid leave for staff is beneficial to employers as well as employees.
He said, “This can have a positive effect on health as well as directly affecting the quality of work.”
He added, “The right to four weeks’ paid annual leave is part of the Government’s commitment to give workers the right to expect fair minimum standards at work, allowing them to spend quality time with their family and friends.”
As a result of the regulations, part-timers also gained the right for the first time to take paid holiday.
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By Helen Rowe