A free online guide has been launched by employment relations service Acas, to help employers with the statutory holiday entitlement increase that came into effect on 1 October.

The guide, Holidays and holiday pay, offers free advice on holiday rights for full and part-time workers and guidance on how to calculate pay. The changes to annual leave give employees the right to 4.8 weeks off (24 days for those working a five-day week), and mean that employers may have to take certain action, including:

• Recalculate new entitlement for part-time and full-time employees.




• Inform all employees in writing of the increased entitlement from 1 October.




• Ensure that all new written statements of employment feature the updated holiday and holiday pay entitlements.

Acas director Susan Clews said that the guide will help employees calculate what they are entitled to and will help employers understand precisely what they should be providing.

“This will ensure that workers make the most of their holiday entitlement and help businesses – particularly smaller ones – plan effectively for periods when employees are away,” she added.

From 1 April 2009, statutory holiday entitlement will increase further to 5.6 weeks (28 days for those working a five-day week). The Acas guide is available free online at www.acas.org.uk.

Employers or employees who need further help can call the Acas helpline on 08457 47 47 47 for free confidential advice.

See also our legislation roundup, detailing the latest employment law changes that came into force on 1 October, by clicking here.