On Saturday 28 March there was widespread media coverage of an announcement that staff who might have forfeited annual leave due to COVID-19 could carry it over for 2 years.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said that workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to the virus will now be able to carry it over into the next 2 leave years. The Telegraph reports that NHS workers, supermarket staff, police and delivery drivers are likely to be significant beneficiaries of this scheme.
The Daily Mail includes a quote from the Business Secretary saying that the changes announced will mean valued employees do not lose out on their annual leave entitlement as a result of their efforts.
Announcing the plans, Business Secretary, Alok Sharma said:
Whether it is in our hospitals, or our supermarkets, people are working around the clock to help our country deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Today’s changes will mean these valued employees do not lose out on the annual leave they are entitled to as a result of their efforts, and employers are not penalised
The Independent highlights that changes will apply to most workers, including those employed through an agency and people on zero-hours contracts. The Sun and Daily Mirror also cover this story, reporting that employers will face financial penalties if they do not ensure their workers take their statutory entitlement in any one year. Further coverage is included in the Metro, as well as in regional titles, the Evening Standard and Birmingham live.
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