Holiday refused advice needed

SAFCfan

I am an Assistant Store Manager for a leading UK footwear retailer. I have 2 weeks holidays abroad booked from 14th August to 28th August, which were booked last year. I recently sent my holiday request form off to my Area Manager who needs to approve my holidays. I have received a phonecall back stating that the first week can be approved, however the second week cannot because it is too close to the end of the School Summer holidays (which I understand is a very busy period for us) - does my employer have the rights to refuse this holiday for those reasons? Is there anything I can say to them that may change their mind?
Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Googlewhacker

Your employer can refuse for any reason as long as it is not discriminatory in the eyes of the law (ie race, sex etc).

Because it is busy is a very valid reason and one you should have checked before booking the holiday I'm afraid.

I guess you can only appeal to their better nature!

SAFCfan

Fair enough. Thank you for your quick reply. I will speak to them and see if we can agree on something.

iamana1ias

SAFCfan wrote: »

I am an Assistant Store Manager for a leading UK footwear retailer. I have 2 weeks holidays abroad booked from 14th August to 28th August, which were booked last year. I recently sent my holiday request form off to my Area Manager who needs to approve my holidays. I have received a phonecall back stating that the first week can be approved, however the second week cannot because it is too close to the end of the School Summer holidays (which I understand is a very busy period for us) - does my employer have the rights to refuse this holiday for those reasons? Is there anything I can say to them that may change their mind?
Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Never EVER a good idea to book before having the leave approved.

Torry_Quine

iamana1ias wrote: »

Never EVER a good idea to book before having the leave approved.

I agree, you always get the dates agreed and then book the holiday. The OP knows it is a busy time of year so why book a holiday which may not be given?

SAFCfan

I understand that now, however to give exact dates before booking is pretty difficult unless you have an exact holiday picked out. I always planned on the holiday in August as we are takiing a child, but the last 2 weeks were not originally planned. A good deal came up so we just booked it. I will speak to them tomorrow when I am back in work and see what can be arranged. I just thought I would seek advice before opening my mouth. Thank you.

Torry_Quine

SAFCfan wrote: »

I understand that now, however to give exact dates before booking is pretty difficult unless you have an exact holiday picked out. I always planned on the holiday in August as we are takiing a child, but the last 2 weeks were not originally planned. A good deal came up so we just booked it. I will speak to them tomorrow when I am back in work and see what can be arranged. I just thought I would seek advice before opening my mouth. Thank you.

What people normally do is put in for holiday dates and only when approved do they then look for and book a holiday. I hope you get something sorted out though but be prepared to be disappointed.

soupdragon10

Is there someone who might cover your work for the second week? I had this with my former employer and was able to arrange to swap holiday weeks with a colleague who didn't have specific plans booked. Might be worth asking your manager if this would be feasible if anyone is willing.

SAFCfan

Well thats the thing. My Manager has no problem with it. He is the one who will be working while I am off, with plenty of part-time staff. I am not leaving the shop without cover. My Area Manager just said it was one of the busiest periods of the year (which I am aware of - back to School footwear) - I will just have to wait and see. The kids in my region dont actually go back to School until the 5th of September, so I will be back to work for the last week, inc. Bank Holiday Monday and the last weekend before they go back. I will just have to speak to him again and see what he says.