1st October 2007 represents a key date in all businesses as increases in statutory holiday entitlement comes into effect and the National Minimum Wage is increased. 

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended), full time workers now have a right to 4.8 weeks paid leave each year rather than the 4 weeks currently provided for. So a worker who works a 5 day week will be entitled to 24 days holiday a year (5 x 4.8 = 24) A part-time employee has the same holiday entitlement, although this will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. For example, a worker who works 3 days a week is entitled to 14.4 days holiday a year (3 x 4.8 = 14.4). This therefore means that part-time workers will be entitled to part day holidays, although this can be rounded up to give half or full days, for ease of administration.

 Employees do not have a statutory entitlement to receive paid leave for a public holiday. However public holidays are included as part of the increased allowance. The National Minimum Wage has also been increased as follows: (i) From £5.35 to £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 and over; (ii) From £4.45 to £4.60 for workers aged between 18-21; and (iii) From £3.30 to £3.40 for workers below the age of 18. Published - October 2007This article is provided for general information only.

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