COVID-19 Workers entitled to carry over unused annual leave

Measures have been introduced today by Business Secretary Alok Sharma, where rules have been relaxed surrounding carry over of annual leave.

Usually this is not permitted unless, for example, it is agreed expressly in the workers contact or the worker has been prevented from taking it due to a period of sick leave. Otherwise, accrued but untaken leave will simply be lost.

The government has amended the Working Time Regulations 1998 in order that workers who have been prevented from taking all of their annual leave as a result of COVID-19 may carry this over to the next two leave years.

This measure will particularly benefit employers who may be short staffed due to the virus and need as many workers as possible to carry on the business. Workers will also be able to continue working without losing out on their annual leave. This measure may be frustrating to some employers as they may be worried about how and when employees will use their annual leave, however at least it will not all have to be taken before the end of this year.

Guidance and measures and continually developing and we will keep you as up to date as possible as they are introduced.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced Employment Lawyers on 01202 525333 for further advice.