Thousands of British workers could be missing out on £3,000 worth of holiday pay, according to new research.
Support group IWORK has warned how many workers are not getting told about holiday pay while working for umbrella companies and employment agencies.
This means many Brits risk not getting the pay they qualify for as the UK approaches an expensive winter.
IWORK says even if only 2% of temp workers are missing out on a £3,000 holiday pay entitlement, £97million is going unclaimed.
In the UK, the average annual temporary worker salary is £26,000.
IWORK founder Julia Kermode said: “£97million is a staggering figure, but in reality, it’s very likely just the tip of the iceberg.
"With the cost of living crisis taking hold and people spiralling into debt, it’s vital that temporary workers claim what’s rightfully theirs."
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says there are currently 1.6 million temporary workers in the UK.
If you’re a temporary worker in the UK and think you're missing out on annual holiday pay, it's important to check your rights with your employer.
They should be able to tell you how much you may be owed and what your next steps are.
Rubel Bashir, senior associate at Slater and Gordon, told The Sun : "One of the key benefits of being a ‘worker’ or ‘employee’ as opposed to being self-employed is the entitlement to holiday pay.
"All workers including those that are part-time or work on zero-hour contracts will be entitled to take holidays and receive holiday pay but the calculation of the holiday pay and accrual of the leave will differ based on the hours and days a worker works.
"Workers should request leave and pay and take appropriate advice quickly if an employer refuses as there are short deadlines to bring claims."
Almost all workers are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday a year, the equivalent to 28 days if you work a five-day week.
This includes:
- Agency workers
- Workers with irregular hours
- Workers on zero-hours contracts
This is known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave.
Part-time workers are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday, but this will amount to fewer than 28 days.
For example, if they work 3 days a week, they must get at least 16.8 days’ leave a year.
Bank or public holidays do not have to be given as paid leave.
