Can a company force you to take holiday over Christmas?
Your employer has the right to make changes to when you take holiday if they need to. For example, they can decide to shut over Christmas and force their employees to take their paid holiday, even if in previous years the business was open over Christmas.
How long do you have to work over Christmas?
Weekly rest break – there is a right to an uninterrupted rest period of not less than 24 hours each week or one uninterrupted rest period of 48 hours over a 14 day period. Over Christmas staff could work 12 days but must then have 2 days off.
Why do some companies close early on Christmas Eve?
One day that always seems to cause problems is Christmas Eve. Many firms close early, but be clear in advance with staff whether they need to book a whole or half day off if they want the day as a holiday.
Are there any HR issues at Christmas time?
The Christmas season can have a big impact on business, with employers facing a minefield of potential pitfalls and challenges. In this short and sweet, two minute HR blast we look at a few of the HR issues that often arise at Christmas time … and how to avoid them!
What to do if employees do not celebrate Christmas?
Be sensitive to employees who do not celebrate Christmas. If casual dress worn by staff on the days between Christmas and New Year has become a problem, make sure you flag up what dress code is required ahead of time so that staff know what you are expecting.
Why are companies not open for Christmas week?
Your customers and business partners won’t be in their offices anyway. If your company operated in a vacuum where your employees never have to interact with anyone but each other, staying open Christmas week might make sense.
Why are most companies shut down for Christmas?
7 Reasons the Smartest Companies Shut Down for Christmas Week 1 Your customers and business partners won’t be in their offices anyway. 2 Employees will get a week off that costs you only four days. 3 You’ll be letting employees know it’s OK to take time off.
Is it OK to give employees Christmas week off?
Giving people Christmas week off is a great perk, a great tool for employee engagement, and a great recruiting aid. Maybe that’s why a third of companies already do it. You’ll be letting employees know it’s OK to take time off.
What happens if you close your office for Christmas?
By closing the office for the week, you’ll let people know that you too are taking this time to rest and celebrate the holidays and focus on your loved ones rather than your job. Not only will you get a week off that you probably need, you’ll be setting a valuable example for everyone who works for you. Like this column?