Date: 17th December 2020
Christmas is almost upon us and 2020 is, finally, nearly over! Before you open the champagne, it’s time to consider your staffing needs over the holidays.
Depending on your industry you may be closing down for a short period, or you may be hoping to make the most of the short period to make up for income lost during lockdown. In all cases though, you need to plan for the financial implications of the holiday period and know your legal requirements.
This year Christmas falls on a Friday and Boxing Day on a Saturday. This means that Monday 28th December will also be a public holiday. The same is true for New Year (the day after New Year public holiday is Monday 4th Jan). What does this mean if and an employee works on 28th December and/or 4th January this holiday period:
This means that if you are open for business on Monday 28th December or Monday 4th January, you need to pay your staff time and a half plus offer anyone who would normally work Monday, a day off in lieu.
Additionally, your employees do not have to agree to work on public holidays unless it is noted in their employment contract.
More about working on public holidays
If you are closing up for a period over Christmas and New Year, you need to give your staff at least 14 days’ notice. Employees are required to take annual leave during this period. If they have built up enough annual leave, they will need to be paid. There are also requirements if they do not yet have enough annual leave (for example, they have been working for the company for less than a year).
Employees are entitled to up to four weeks paid annual leave a year. However, the dates that an employee can take this leave must be negotiated with the employer. There are a few other obligations too:
An employer may also grant leave in advance, if they choose to do this, but there is no legal requirement.
More about taking annual leave
More about getting holiday season payroll & employment law right
If you would like some help to plan for the financial implications of the holiday period, or understanding your legal requirements, get in touch.
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