Hi,
We are a small company that prior to this year operated a holiday entitlement policy for every employee as folows:

-28 days holiday per year (inc Bank Holidays), increasing at 1 day per year for each year of service (up to 5 years)

-Flexible position regarding carry over of holiday days to the next year (must be agreed with Director)

With the new statutory minimum entitlement increasing to 28 days in 2009, with the minimum actual holidays taken set at 20 days, the net effect on our holiday policy is that it has (or will) become less flexible.

Due to the nature of our business (size and industry), employees often miss out on taking 20 days holiday per year and are either paid in lieu or carry over.

I disagree that an increase in the statutory minimum should result in a less attractive policy for our workers.

I am considering increasing the initial holiday entitlement up to 25 days (plus Bank Holidays) but thought there might be a better way to maintain a balanced approach to this issue.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Stuart Gordon
Stuart Gordon