HR question- holiday entitlement

[sean0801]

HR folks, i know holidays are a right not a priviledge but do we have any rights about when we can take our holidays or is this entirely at the descretion of the company?

I've just had my request knocked back for the 5th time in a row and am seriously considering throwing a bloody sicky, it aint my fault if the company can't organise its resources or employ the correct manning levels

[Gareth Burrows]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employme...ff/DG_10034711

[uwila]

This would normally be part of the company handbook. You have no legal right to choose when you have a holiday, but if you're the only person (or one of a small minority) who are regularly refused leave at your own convenience, then you may be being treated unfairly.
If you've given reasonable notice of when you want to take leave, and the company didn't object at the time then your position is stronger.

5 times in a row (unless you told them the dates at short notice) certainly sounds unfair.

[sean0801]

Originally Posted by Garf

Holiday entitlements: taking your holidays : Directgov - Employment

Cheers mate, looks like they can do what they want basically. No probs, sicky it is then

I've been reasonable, i work 70 hours a week for them and i want a long weekend

[sean0801]

Originally Posted by uwila

This would normally be part of the company handbook. You have no legal right to choose when you have a holiday, but if you're the only person (or one of a small minority) who are regularly refused leave at your own convenience, then you may be being treated unfairly.
If you've given reasonable notice of when you want to take leave, and the company didn't object at the time then your position is stronger.

5 times in a row (unless you told them the dates at short notice) certainly sounds unfair.

I don't think i'm being victimised, i know that bodies are thin on the ground for various reasons, but the company doesn't mind flogging the rest of us to death while it gets of its arse and employs more bodies, bottom line is i am totally fcuked and need a few days rest

[Scubee]

The danger of throwing a sickie when you aren't is that is is misconduct, and a potentially fair reason for dismissal.

There ought to be a process for requesting and authorising annual leave. If you request it, you ought to have that request objectively considered. If your request is declined, you ought to be given the reason for refusal.

If you beleive the reason for refusal to be unfair, then it would be reasonable for you to make a complaint.

I have been involved in a similar situation, and it turned out that it was a case of discrimination.

PM me if you want more help

[sean0801]

Originally Posted by Scubee

The danger of throwing a sickie when you aren't is that is is misconduct, and a potentially fair reason for dismissal.

There ought to be a process for requesting and authorising annual leave. If you request it, you ought to have that request objectively considered. If your request is declined, you ought to be given the reason for refusal.

If you beleive the reason for refusal to be unfair, then it would be reasonable for you to make a complaint.

I have been involved in a similar situation, and it turned out that it was a case of discrimination.

PM me if you want more help

I have a very friendly GP, he'll give me a note for a month if i ask him

To be honest i want to force the issue of insufficient manning levels higher up the agenda of the management, if we fail to meet contract requirements it might just have that effect. I can't take my days off simply because there is no one to relieve me, but for me the issue is why not?

Cheers everyone, rant over

[Scubee]

Originally Posted by sean0801

I have a very friendly GP, he'll give me a note for a month if i ask him

To be honest i want to force the issue of insufficient manning levels higher up the agenda of the management, if we fail to meet contract requirements it might just have that effect. I can't take my days off simply because there is no one to relieve me, but for me the issue is why not?

Cheers everyone, rant over

You would get the message across if you took out a grievance for your lower/middle management being unable to fulfill your contractual requirements. If, by the end of the leave year you have had so much time off refused that you can't take accrued leave in the same leave year, they could be screwed in terms of working time directives, and legal right to paid time off.

[Ding Dang Doo]

Sean, just be careful... if you throw a sickie on the dates you've asked for as holiday, they may just suss it...

... I know I may be stating the obvious, but, well... you know...

Pete

[pingu570]

You have just beaten me to it!

I would go down the route of a stage 1 grievance first. This will formally document your concern. The company will then be obliged to address your concern (normally within 5 working days) . They have to respond reasonably, stating their resons for acceptance or refuslal of your grievance in writing.
Specific details of time constraints etc, should be in your employee handbook.
I would not go down the absence route. You are not doing yourself any favours in doing this.
How long have you been working there?
PM me if you want.
I am on the dark side (senior management) but am more than willing to help a distressed diver at the surface!