Entrepreneurs in the building and construction sector fear the extension to holiday entitlement for UK workers will hit their profit, according to a new study.
The research shows that some 60% of builders who run their own business think the new legislation will reduce their bottom line. Almost 60% that it will slow workplace productivity, reports the study by entrepreneur think tank, Tenon Forum.
The new regulations come in to effect today (1 October) and increase the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 days a year to 24 days. In April 2009, minimum holiday entitlement will rise from 24 days to 28 days.
One in seven UK construction bosses currently offer staff an average three to four weeks’ annual leave a year, with nearly half (47%) providing four to five weeks. Just 23% provide five to six weeks holiday.
Two thirds of builders surveyed say more holiday would make staff healthier and happier, but just 37% believe the culture in their workplace would be improved.
Despite their fears, 80% of owner managers in the construction industry cite work life balance as a priority for their business and are embracing it. Over half (56%) of these offer their staff flexible working hours, a fifth allow home and remote working, and 48% hold regular company social events. Nearly a quarter (23%) give employees time off to undertake voluntary work.
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Comments (2)
Please confirm back if the minimum holiday entitlements mentioned above includes Bank Holidays and if so who pays for them?
Kind regards
Ian Gilmore
By Ian Gilmore | November 5, 2007 2:34 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 14:34
Ian,
There is some confusion over this issue, but as I understand, it does include bank holidays, and employers will ahve to pay for them.
More detail here: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?r.l1=1073858787&r.l3=1074414642&r.t=RESOURCES&type=RESOURCES&itemId=1074414966&r.i=1079422234&r.l2=1073858926&r.s=sc
Thanks, Will.
By Will | November 5, 2007 2:45 PM
Posted on November 5, 2007 14:45