The Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 amend regulation 13 of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) to allow workers to carry over 4 weeks into the next two leave years where leave has not been taken because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rule applies only to the four weeks of annual leave provided for by Regulation 13 WTR but not the additional 1.6 weeks of annual leave provided for by Regulation 13A. However, this can be carried over by agreement.
This amendment has been introduced to allow businesses who are under pressure from the current pandemic to have flexibility at a time when it is needed most. It has been recognised that if businesses were to allow annual leave during the current crisis it could leave them short-staffed in some key industries such as food and healthcare. This measure will also ensure that workers do not lose their entitlement to paid holiday while working as part of the national effort against coronavirus.
The Employment team at Hugh James has been working closely with businesses during this time to help them navigate through the employment implications caused by the pandemic and will continue to monitor developments coming out from Government.
For further advice on Coronavirus COVID-19 related employment queries please contact our dedicatedEmployment and HR Servicesteam.
For any other Coronavirus COVID-19 related business advice please visit our dedicated pageCoronavirus COVID-19 legal advice & support for businesses.