Holiday Rights

elsien

lolacherry said:

Thanks everyone,
I do work weekdays when required and my holiday entitlement is 25 days (this inc statutory holidays) and this is allowed to be used across the whole week.

I cover weekdays when required, I've only had to say I couldn't cover 1 day in the 4 years because it was my sons birthday that I couldn't miss but all other days I've been asked to cover (usually at least once a month)  I help cover.  At one point i was working 10h 6 days a week for 4 weeks because 2 girls were sick so I always see myself as reasonable and I always ask politely, of course, when I wish a day off and require cover.

I'm just beginning to get agitated as no matter how much notice I give (as mentioned, I gave a years notice for 1 day off and I've been told there might not be cover) and the only requirement they have to be able to take a holiday is "as long as one or two of the girls can cover" but as mentioned, there Is a reluctance to help me when I need to,  so it's getting a little bit annoying.

I don't take sick days, I cover the girls sick days frequently, I try to be friends with everyone - I'm a very happy, positive person and try to keep things upbeat, bring in treats, make everyone coffee and often buying them lunches etc so I'm not the office b***h and appear to be more of a mother figure as I am older and try to be a friendly colleague but sadly it doesn't seem to do anything to help when I need a day off.

I have began job hunting now, while i know companies can dictate holidays, I lost holidays due to not been able to take them and often pushed to take them when I don't need to take them - I've worked 33 years and never encountered this sort of resistance on holidays so maybe its time to see if I can find an easier situation. 

Would this not be pro-rata if you are a part time worker?  I think I would be saying to the manager that you have been more than reasonable over the years but you feel it really does need to go both ways so you would like a plan to support with leave cover in the future otherwise your ability to reciprocate have be be reconsidered. 

Savvy_Sue

lolacherry said:

I have began job hunting now, while i know companies can dictate holidays, I lost holidays due to not been able to take them and often pushed to take them when I don't need to take them - I've worked 33 years and never encountered this sort of resistance on holidays so maybe its time to see if I can find an easier situation. 

Is that with this employer? I'd definitely raise a grievance about that, if so! Although being pushed to take leave when you don't necessarily want it is just one of those things: the key question is whether you have been able to take all the leave to which you are entitled.