Many workers are still waiting to find out if their bosses are giving them the royal wedding off work, a report has revealed.
The survey by recruitment firm Badenoch & Clark revealed that one in four office workers are still waiting for the news despite the government declaring it a bank holiday.
The research of 1,000 workers found that many respondents believed staff could be left angry by the poor communication and uncertainty hanging over time off for the event.
The wedding is to be held in London on April 29, but it is in the capital that the problem is at its greatest – with a third of workers still unsure whether they are getting the day off.
Badenoch & Clark said its research showed there was widespread confusion across the country over what will happen to workers.
Lynne Hardman, of Badenoch & Clark, said: “Employers have a duty to communicate clearly and effectively to their workers. This includes decisions on holiday allowance. If not correctly managed, employers may find workers react badly to what appears to be a last-minute decision – leading to low morale amongst employees.
“Managers must be seen to give clear direction on bank holiday allowances. However, workers must be aware that employers are not statutorily obliged to give their employees public or bank holidays as additional leave, and that the announcement of an extra bank holiday does not increase any entitlement to holiday under the Working Time Regulations.
“To alleviate the bad news of having staff work on the bank holiday, employers could consider allowing flexi-working around the key parts of the day, or permitting staff to watch the ceremony at work. Nonetheless, if managed correctly, allowing workers to take full advantage of the bank holiday could be a great way to strengthen workplace morale on a day of national celebration.”
Copyright © Press Association 2011
