MORE HOLIDAYS

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has published regulations to boost the minimum holiday entitlement from 20 days a year to 24 days in October, and to 28 days from April 2009. As a transitional measure, companies will be allowed to buy out the additional leave entitlement introduced from October 2007 until 1 April 2009. Part-time workers will be entitled to the extra days on a pro rata basis. Jim Fitzpatrick, DTI Employment Relations Minister, says: “Businesses will benefit too—from reduced absenteeism and a workforce who are more motivated and productive.”