Changes to the Working Time regulations have been announced by the
Government which mean all staff will have a right to paid annual leave from
their first day of employment.
The changes, which come into force on 25 October, will allow employers to
introduce an accrual system to help manage the taking of leave over the first
year of employment.
Employment relations minister Alan Johnson said the Government had consulted
widely before introducing the amendment to the regulations.
He said, "The new regulations will allow employers to introduce a
system for the taking of leave to accrue during the first year of employment at
the rate of one-twelfth of the annual entitlement per month worked.
"This will not affect payment of any untaken leave at the end of a
contract. It remains the case that employers and workers will be able to agree
arrangements for taking leave in line with the notice periods in the
regulations."
The changes follow a case brought against the Government by broadcasting
union Bectu.
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The European Court of Justice ruled that the 13-week paid annual leave
qualifying period is not consistent with the Working Time directive.
