Do employers have to give a reason for holiday refusal?

aliasojo

Or can they simply say no and it's a case of put up with it?

Just curious.

josie.d

Its often because others have already booked the time off, or sometimes they have a policy whereby at certain times of the year no holidays can be granted.

I'm sure they will explain the refusal if you ask, but it is usually down to business needs.

aliasojo

Thanks.

There appears to be no reason why holidays are being refused.

Employees not had this issue before, new boss seems to have new ways (no reason given, sheet stamped 'unapproved' and that's it).

Just wondering if they can actually do this.

agrinnall

As long as employees are allowed to take their holiday allowance at some point during the year then the employer can dictate whatever terms they want for taking them, and while it would be good for industrial relations to explain the reasoning I doubt if there is anything that can be done to force them to.

aliasojo

Thank you, appreciate the replies.

chib

Very common in call center positions where employees are often treated like chickens. The company as a business has no interest in personal needs, so long as the predicated call volume is accounted for they're happy.

If you are concerned and would like a reason or for more attention to be given to the request, send an email to your direct manager and also include your HR Manager/HR Representative. This way if it's not related to the business and is preference of the manager, the HR staff may question why.

I work in Human Resources - for a respectable company... hope this helps.

MissSarah1972

josie.d wrote: »

Its often because others have already booked the time off, or sometimes they have a policy whereby at certain times of the year no holidays can be granted.

I'm sure they will explain the refusal if you ask, but it is usually down to business needs.

A company can just say no you can't and give no reason. I have had it where others who then put in a request after me (for a half day) have been given it.

getmore4less

Watch out for this becoming a recuring event(refusal) and time running out.

If the manager turns out to be a bit of an A**e this could cause issues if every ends up with loads of holiday to take.

Good practice to get everyone using up their holiday ASAP unless you expect slack times and want to manage those with forced holidays

aliasojo

getmore4less wrote: »

......... unless you expect slack times and want to manage those with forced holidays

Actually, this may be the case.

jason1231972

No reason necessary, but it's always nice to know. I've had this situation a couple of times over the years in various jobs.

When a reason has been given, I've generally understood and accepted it, and just got over it, unless there's been overarching factors on those rare occasions when I really needed the leave, and have had to press further.

When no reason has been given, it's pee'd me off a little. When you're part of a small-medium company, refusal without reason can leave you feeling like you're totally out of the loop. When part of a large company, it can leave you feeling even more like you're just a number.

C_Mababejive

The law of the land says you are entitled to a minimum number of holidays. Employers can tell you when you can take them (incredible isnt it..?). If however they continually refuse requests then they are creating a situation by which you will not be able to take your legal entitlement.

You would do well for you and your colleagues to join a TU and work togehter instead of individually.

I know a company which has gradually introduced a system (without agreement) in which if you submit a hols request,they will ask who is covering your work pattern. If there isnt anyone,they automatically refuse !