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Workers will be able to carry their holiday over for two years due to coronavirus crisis

Photo credit: Peter Cade - Getty Images
Photo credit: Peter Cade - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

The government has announced that workers who have been left with unused holiday allowance during the coronavirus pandemic will be able to carry it over for the next two years.

Ministers said that employees will be able to carry over up to four weeks of paid leave, as many have had to cancel holidays during the outbreak.

Business secretary Alok Sharma said on Friday: “Whether it is in our hospitals, or our supermarkets, people are working around the clock to help our country deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Today’s changes will mean these valued employees do not lose out on the annual leave they are entitled to as a result of their efforts, and employers are not penalised.”

Many holiday allowances align with the tax year, which runs from April to March, and most employees are entitled to 28 days’ annual leave including bank holidays, most of which cannot be carried between years - meaning some people have already missed the opportunity to use this year's allowance.

Photo credit: Chad Springer - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chad Springer - Getty Images

The new measures ensure that even those employed on zero-hour contracts and through an agency will be able to carry over their holiday.

Environment secretary George Eustice said: “From our fields to our supermarkets, we are hugely grateful to the many people working around the clock to keep the nation fed.

“At this crucial time, relaxing laws on statutory leave will help ensure key workers can continue the important work to keep supplies flowing, but without losing the crucial time off they are entitled to.”


Disclaimer: The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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