Britain proposes extra holiday for millions of workers

BRITAIN: Britain's government unveiled plans to allow nearly six million low-paid workers to receive eight days' more holiday a year.

Under the plans, workers would see Britain's minimum holiday entitlement increased to 28 days from 20.

The move is aimed at preventing employers from including eight public holidays as part of the 20-day annual break they offer to staff.

Such behaviour by employers has meant that in reality, millions of British workers are being given just 12 days off a year, excluding public holidays such as Christmas Day and Easter Monday.

Britain's government said it planned to introduce the extra leave in two stages, increasing the minimum entitlement by four days in October and by another four days in October 2008.

"People work hard and they deserve a decent break. We want to make sure everyone gets the holidays they are entitled to," Employment relations minister Jim Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

LONDON, Friday, AFP