The recent government decision to change holiday entitlement is likely to affect businesses open on bank holidays most acutely, it has been alleged.
Many small businesses in the leisure and catering sectors open on bank holidays and the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has warned that firms need to familiarise themselves with and implement the changes ahead of the deadlines.
According to FPB spokesperson Matt Hardman, staged introduction of new statutory holiday entitlements means that many businesses have "already made arrangements" and are finding it easier to adjust.
Businesses that currently offer just 20 days paid leave including the bank holidays will be most affected, but Mr Hardman suggests that these are in the minority and most will have already adapted to the changes.
"Those who have sufficiently prepared already won't lose any money," he explained. "So it is a question of getting your head round it and getting a flexible working pattern into your procedures. With it being staged, it will be quite easy for people to deal with."
Under the changes to the Working Time Regulations 1998, statutory holiday entitlement will increase to 4.8 weeks (24 days) for those working a five day week from October 1st 2007 and to 5.6 weeks (28 days) from April 1st 2009.
