Query Regarding Redundancy and Annual Leave

[elephstone]

Hi guys, first time poster here seeking some advice!

Our team is being halved at the end of the month, with the option of voluntary redundancy, which I have applied for. Given the stress and uncertainty of the situation, I booked a holiday for mid-August - slight petulance on my part maybe but my logic was that if I can't be promised a job next month, then why should I put my life on hold?

My annual leave request has since been rejected, and I've since been advised that I am likely to be retained in my role.

I still plan on going on this holiday in August which would result in 5 days of unauthorised absence. Legally, do I actually have a leg to stand on if I fail to turn up, given that I didn't actually have a job promised for me during that period, or am I putting myself at a very real risk of getting sacked? As it stands I've worked for 5 years and never had a single day off outside of annual leave. My record is completely unblemished up to this point.

Despite asking for voluntary redundancy, if I'm kept on I'd obviously rather not get sacked while I look for alternative work! I'm just wondering if I'm being a little stupid going on this holiday or if there is anything I am missing. Unfortunately we've been treated so badly that I feel like I'm in a position where I really owe the company nothing right now. I'm not a very good liar, so calling in sick isn't an option, and I've told my boss my intentions. Rightly or wrongly, I'd rather be truthful about the situation.

If getting sacked is genuinely likely, I think I'd rather resign before I end up with a blot on my record...

Thanks a lot.

[ULA]

If you applied for holiday and it was rejected and you subsequently do not turn up for work to go on that holiday then, depending on the company's policy, they may consider disciplinary action against you for unauthorised absence. I think if you do not turn up on days where you had asked for holiday the company is going to know the reason why.