Can employers require employees to take annual leave during the Christmas period?

Acas is consulting on the first full revision of its Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures since 2009. The consultation is open until 23 September 2026. The proposed Code has not yet taken effect, but it gives employers a useful indication of how...

When employers think about employment contracts, they usually think about the written document. The offer letter, the contract of employment, the staff handbook, the policies and any signed variations. That is understandable. Written terms matter. They give both sides...

Employee absence is a normal part of working life, but when it is not managed effectively, a few missed days can quickly have a wider impact. Additional workloads, reduced productivity and pressure on colleagues can all affect the day-to-day running of a business. For...