Work holidays?

hbk2006

Hi there, I hope you can help me?

I started a new job in October 07 and before I started, I already had three weeks worth of holidays for 08 already booked. My employer was happy to honour these holidays and officially authorised them.

Now, one month before my first holiday is due, a member of staff has quit leaving us short staffed and my boss is pressuring me to cancel my holiday.

Now I am not willing to cancel this holiday but where do I stand legally?

Thanks in advance!

Angel x

Conor_3

You don't have to cancel it, it's his problem.

hbk2006

Thanks for replying but what I want to know is if there is any laws that I can back myself up with?

Angel x

dmg24

Legally, you have little back up. Your employer has a right to decline holidays according to the needs of the business (however, they must give you the opportunity to take your entitlement at some point).

The fact that they have already been authorised unfortunately has little impact, as they are giving you a decent period of notice about the change in plans.

Could you reach a compromise with your employer? For instance, if they got a temp in, you could dedicate some time before your holiday to training them up?

Personally, I think it would be unfair of them to cancel your leave now, and if they did, I would be looking to them to cover any cancellation fees if you have already booked something.