06 November 2023 , 00:01
1053
0
Millions of workers could get less holiday pay unless the Tories drop a threat to weaken workplace rights, it has been warned.
The TUC claimed up to 3.5million people are at risk of being left worse off if ministers “meddle” with their legal entitlements. The union organisation said the Government is preparing to introduce regulations reducing rights at work that stem from EU law.
The legislation ensures that most holiday is paid in line with workers' normal earnings, including regular overtime and bonuses. But the TUC warned that ministers are considering changes that would mean companies only have to cover basic pay. Such a move would hit workers in the lowest paid occupations hardest, where regular overtime is more common.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “No one should be left out of pocket when they take time off. But the Tories’ plan to meddle with the way holiday pay is calculated could see millions of grafters who do regular overtime worse off when they take holiday. This would be a huge blow to working people in every corner of the country. The last thing they need is less money when they take a well-earned break. Ministers must protect working people’s holiday pay and ditch these plans without delay.”
He added: “Having time off shouldn’t be the preserve of the wealthy. But the Conservatives’ plans would force many low-paid workers to forgo holidays and time off with family. For those struggling to put food on the table and pay their bills, money will always come first – no matter how much they need a break. Working people are already working around the clock to make ends meet – and too many are exhausted. It’s time to back working people with a New Deal for Workers, like Labour is proposing – rather than making their lives harder.”
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
A Government spokesman said: "This is scaremongering. The Government will publish its response to this consultation next week, but throughout this process we have been consistently clear that we will uphold our strong track record on workers' rights."