The government have recently responded to the consultation on reforms to retained EU employment law and the consultation on calculating holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular hours workers. In their response, the government outline significant changes that will impact the way workers receive holiday pay and the calculation of annual leave entitlement. Through their reforms, the government intend to reduce bureaucracy, reduce reporting requirements and simplify processes, while safekeeping employment rights.

Rolled-Up Holiday Pay

One notable change is the introduction of ‘rolled-up’ holiday pay, allowing workers with irregular hours or part-time hours to receive an additional amount or enhancement to their regular pay instead of being paid when they take annual leave. This move is seen as a pragmatic approach, especially for agency workers and those with unpredictable work schedules. This would solve a long-term headache for businesses.

UK/EU Separate Holiday Entitlements

Contrary to initial proposals, the government has decided against consolidating the four weeks’ basic annual leave mandated by EU law and the 1.6 weeks’ additional leave prescribed by the Working Time Regulations (WTR) into a single entitlement. The preference is to maintain two distinct ‘pots’ of annual leave and the existing rates of holiday pay. Workers will continue to receive four weeks at the normal rate of pay and 1.6 weeks at the basic rate of pay.

To provide clarity, the government will legislate to define what must be included in normal remuneration for holiday pay purposes. This step aims to ensure consistency and fairness in how holiday pay is calculated, providing a clear framework for both employers and employees.

Introduction of the Accrual Method

Addressing concerns raised during the consultation, the government has decided against the introduction of a 52-week reference period to reverse the Harpur Trust ruling by the Supreme Court (more on that here). Instead, an accrual method will be implemented from 1 January 2024. This will mean calculating annual leave entitlement at 12.07% of hours worked in a pay period for irregular hours workers and part-year workers. This method, widely used before the Harpur Trust judgment, is deemed more practical and reflective of actual working patterns. This will be a welcome change for employers with a large number of employees who work irregular hours and likely reflects the commercial reality in any event.

Retention of EU Case Law

To retain workers’ overall level of protection, the government will restate various pieces of retained EU case law related to the carry-over of annual leave during maternity or family-related leave or sick leave. This allows a worker to carry over annual leave when a worker is unable to take their leave due to maternity or family related leave or sick leave.

Record-Keeping Requirements

The government will proceed with changes to record-keeping requirements under the WTR, clarifying that businesses do not need to keep a record of workers’ daily working hours. This clarification is in response to concerns about potential increased administrative burdens following a European Court of Justice ruling.

Impact on TUPE Transfers

Furthermore, changes to consultation obligations under TUPE transfers will allow small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to consult directly with the employees rather than needing to appoint employee representatives. This streamlines the process when there are no existing employee representatives in place and avoids the cost to smaller businesses.

What does this mean for you?

The government’s response to the consultation reflects a balance between simplifying processes for employers and maintaining essential protections for workers.

The introduction of rolled-up holiday pay for certain categories of workers, clarification of normal remuneration, and the accrual method for annual leave demonstrate a commitment to ensuring fairness and practicality in holiday pay calculations. These changes, along with adjustments to record-keeping requirements and TUPE consultation obligations, mark a significant step toward a more streamlined, transparent and commercially pragmatic employment framework in the UK.

If you would like further advice as to your rights and responsibilities, please contact us to speak to a member of our Employment Team.