Our current leave policy gives a base of 26 days plus 8 bank holidays. In addition we accrue 1 extra day’s leave (up to a maximum of 5 days) for each completed 3 years service. It takes 15 years to get to maximum which is in clear breach of the new regs.

We need to review our policy and bring it into line. I had suggested to the Board that we give one extra day for each complete year so that all staff get to the maximum of 5 within the 5 year period as it complies better with the spirit of the new reg. Most of our employees are part timers and also on short term contracts (from 6 months to 3 years)owing to funding. We are a charity and do not get any other staff benefits other than a small contributory pension. The Board have, however, rejected it because they think we get too much leave already?

The Board have asked me to consider (a) buying out existing contracts so we don’t get additional leave (b)options of doing something different for new staff as opposed to existing (though we still need to resolve the issue for existing staff)

Any ideas, particularly with what would be involved if they decide to buy out contracts?
Pat Akerman