Can we stop staff taking holiday in July and August?
A There is nothing in the Working Time Regulations that would prevent an employer from stipulating a period during which holidays should not be taken, provided that employees are given sufficient opportunity to take their full annual leave entitlement at other times in the leave year. However, there would be the need to comply with any contractual provisions governing the manner in which holidays are to be taken. Q What action can we take to cope with the growing sickness absence rates on Fridays during the hot weather? A If such an absence pattern is apparent, the employees should be challenged to explain it. In addition, all employees should be informed that they will have to attend a return-to-work interview regardless of the length of the absence. However, it should be made clear that the purpose of this type of interview is to monitor absences and that the interview is not part of a disciplinary procedure. If following the interview there are grounds to suggest the employee was no
