Hearing that there has been a “surge” in holiday bookings following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the “roadmap out of lockdown”, it got me wondering how many employees (who are understandably desperate for a holiday) have just gone ahead and booked without getting approval for their holiday dates from their employer.
Also, how many people really listened to the announcement and heard that the Government’s task force on international travel will not report until 12th April 2021. The reality is that we don’t yet know when you can travel internationally and what if any restrictions will be in place.
Probably timely therefore that employers issue a few reminders to all staff:
- Schedule your 2021 holiday entitlement, make requests and do not book any holidays without first seeking approval for the dates. Whilst employers will generally try to accommodate requests, sometimes for operational reasons they have to be declined.
- Remember that you are expected to return to work at the end of your holiday. If there are any quarantine restrictions in place these need to be considered within your requested dates.
- Employees must follow any guidance that is in place at the time of their travel to protect themselves, their families and the wider community including work colleagues.
- It is not always possible to agree to a period of homeworking to accommodate a period of quarantine and there is no entitlement to paid time off for travel quarantine periods.
And in chatting to Marie Rowe, independent Travel Agent this morning, there are so many other factors to be taken into consideration relating to the holiday/holiday booking:
- Where will you be allowed to travel to/from and what if any quarantine restrictions may be in place?
- Costs of PCR testing if required.
- Book with a trusted travel agent so that you can amend if necessary.
If you need any help with managing holiday booking processes for employees please call us at The HR Dept and for holiday bookings call your trusted travel agent!
