No work, then take a day off (holiday paid)

[Marago]

Can an employer force you to take a days holiday if there is no work? Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

[james_law]

Are you a permanent worker?

Just a bit of info that might help, your employer can force you to take holiday when they want you to. Generally, an employee is free to take holiday as and when they want but this is not always the case.

You need to look at your contract and see what it says about this, if it is silent on the matter then what notice was given for you taking this days holiday?

If in the event you do not have any holiday to use then you may be told to stay at home without pay, however your employer can only do this if it is set out in your contract.

Hope this helps.

[Marago]

Hi. Yes, I am permanent, but I didn't notice anything regarding this in my contract, will have to look. But we did have a verbal agreement about start times which was the reason they wanted me to take a day off. You see, I said to them that I wouldn't be willing to start work at silly hours of the morning like 2am and they said on this occasion, that was the only time slot they had available. So if I refused they said I would have to take a days holiday instead, but then that would ruin my planned summer holiday. I had just several hours to decide. I accepted, but now thinking of handing in my notice for breach of verbal agreement. I'm guessing though already, that this will be the only way to hit back at them.. Thanks anyway.

[ULA]

Yes your employer can tell you when to take leave but not as such short notice. It should be two days notice for every one day they want you to take.

[Marago]

Thanks ULA, that is very interesting and most helpful.