FAQs - Employment Issues

What is the National Minimum Wage?

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for adults aged 21 and over is £6.08. The development rate for 18-20 year olds is £4.98, while for those 16 and 17;(above compulsory school leaving age) the  rate is  £3.68. These rates came into force on 1 October 2011.

The NMW is subject to change, usually in the October following announcement of any change and you should always check that the rates you pay comply.

Holiday Entitlement 

How much annual leave are staff entitled to?

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended) all staff are entitled to 5.6 weeks paid annual leave. For part time staff the leave entitlement is pro rata to their contracted hours.

Can my employer include public holidays in my annual leave entitlement?

Yes. Paid public holidays can be counted as part of the statutory 5.6 weeks holiday entitlement.

Does my employer have to pay me on public holidays?

There is no statutory entitlement to paid leave for a public holiday. Any rights to paid leave for such holidays will be specified in your contract of employment. Public holidays may be counted as parted of your 5.6 weeks statutory paid leave entitlement.

How do we calculate holiday entitlement for our staff, some of who work part time and term time only?

Currently the formula for calculating holiday entitlement for term time workers is:

The number of hours worked per week ... multiplied by the number of weeks worked per year ... divided by 46.4 ... multiplied by 5.6 ... and the answer is the number of hours holiday entitlement.

Capability Procedures

What should we do as an employer where there is an issue in terms of an employee's ability to do their job?

SPPA's Capability Procedures provide guidance on dealing with this issue.