Islanders could get more holidays

Tuesday 13th January 2009, 2:59PM GMT.

JERSEY has by far the lowest statutory minimum holiday period of anywhere in Europe, but the numbers could be about to rise.

The Island’s Employment Law allows workers either two weeks off and nine bank holidays, or whatever is specified in their employment contract – whichever is longer.

That means an absolute minimum of 19 days off. And with the UK’s minimum holiday allowance set to go up to 28 days per year from April – although bosses there will have discretion over whether that includes the nine bank holidays or not – Jersey workers are slipping further behind.

But Social Security Minister Ian Gorst (pictured) says that raising the statutory minimum will be one of the jobs that he will consider putting to the Employment Forum for 2009. The forum, which is made up of employee and employer representatives, consult on any changes to employment and work legislation and policies.

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1
Mark G

January 13, 2009 at 4:54 pm

An extra day off for me please!

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2
ric

January 13, 2009 at 7:22 pm

me too

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3
M.

January 14, 2009 at 2:21 am

That is if you get bank holidays… Try working in the hospitality industry and you won’t get these nice long week ends! Although you get compensated salarywise the year is quite long when you only get 14 extra days off. I don’t think a bit more holiday time is a luxury.

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4
dave brown

January 15, 2009 at 5:23 pm

more holidays, yes please.
i did work in a tourist related jobs , years ago when the whole summer was one big party, 70s and 80s so i know where m(3) is coming from. lots of workers have to work bank holidays as that may be the only time that people are out of the building.

we are behind europe and should catch up. the problem is can you afford a day off un paid.
i would say there are many that cannot.
employers would have to find the days wage to give to staff, which may be a problem due to the global climate at the moment.
and if someone had to loose their job to cover the cost , i would stick with what we have.

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