Workplace Report July 2001

Features: Law at work

Holiday pay rights

The ECJ has ruled that temporary workers have the right to accrue paid holidays while working and that UK law which currently excludes those working on contracts of 13 weeks or less is unlawful.

The government has issued a consultation document saying that it intends to amend the law. In the meantime representatives in public sector employment should demand immediate holiday rights for temporary workers.

Reps in the private sector should begin negotiations for the right to holiday pay, in anticipation of the new legislation, which should be in place by the autumn.