Labour MP for Wentworth
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12th January 2007

For immediate release 

1 in 5 workers set to gain from extra Holiday Entitlement

Under new proposals published by the Government today, 1 in 5 workers in Yorkshire and the Humber will benefit from increased workers’ holiday entitlement from 20 days per year to 28. 

New research has shown that up to six million workers in Great Britain would benefit from an extra eight days holiday each year under the plans.  The groups standing to benefit most from the changes are vulnerable workers including women, part-time workers, low-paid workers and workers from minority ethnic communities.   

Local MP, John Healey, said:

“People work hard and they deserve a decent break. We want to make sure everyone gets the holiday they are entitled to.”

“One in five workers in the region stand to benefit from these changes, and whilst I appreciate that these changes will be challenging for some employers, the consultation is an important part in the process to ensure we get the balance right. I plan to discuss the proposals with the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and local trade unions, as part of the Governments consultation.”

“These proposals will ensure that some of our most vulnerable workers, will no longer be discriminated against when it comes to holidays.”

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is launching a second public consultation on the implementation of the changes. Statutory annual leave entitlement would be increased in two stages, rising from 20 to 24 days on 1st October 2007 (pro rata for part-timers), and from 24 to 28 days on 1st October 2008.

~ ENDS ~

Notes to Editors:

  1. Increasing the holiday entitlement – a further consultation, can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/employment/holidays/index.html;
  2. The right to 20 days paid holiday was introduced in 1998. 
  3. The consultation closes on 13 April 2007.
  4. For more information please contact Joanne Wilson, Researcher to John Healey MP on (01709) 512463

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