Can employer tell me how to take leave?

Phil3822

My employer insists on me taking 4 weeks block leave per year. Generally 1 week in spring, 2 weeks summer and 1 week in winter. I wish however to have more ad hoc leave rather than this block leave.

I have challenged my employer over this and they insist that they are correct as they must ensure I have rest and recuperation.

Any thoughts?

WhiteHorse

This used to be common practice in certain industries. What is your job?

Phil3822

Thanks for your response. I am a Prison Officer. My research seems to suggest that they can tell me how and when to take leave which is a shame but all thoughts welcome none the less. I have worked for the service a fair few years and it has always been like this but only started wondering recently as a change in circumstances.

gibson123

No the employer decides.

agrinnall

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_10034711

If your employer wants you to take holiday

Your employer can decide when some or all of your holidays must be taken. For instance, they may require you to take some of your holiday to cover the bank holidays, or may require the whole company to take holiday during a Christmas shutdown.
This may be in your contract of employment, or it may be normal practice built up over time. An employer has to give the same amount of notice as you do.

Phil3822

Many thanks all. As I thought but best to check.

getmore4less

IN some occupations block leave is there for other reasons than rest and recuperation.

I would expect that might apply to the prison service for obvious reasons.


If they fix 4 weeks that still leaves a minimum of 8 days float possibly more

http://www.prisonservicejobs.co.uk/

5. Up to 25 days holiday, which does not include bank holidays.


Our next door used to be in the service and with shifts planned he had loads of time off(Periods of more than 2 days) on top of holidays to do add hoc things.