Is it deemed discriminatory and/or ageist for managers to allow employees to book holidays with priority based on grade/seniority and/or length of service?

In addition, there would appear to be little general fairness with this approach as the same person could, for example, take time over Christmas every year.

This could possibly affect the welfare and engagement of employees who perhaps may need a break at this time, or have family commitments they’d like to honour, etc., but are never given the chance to.

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts from an ethical and legislative perspective.
Tammy Lodge