Email the editor your views: [email protected] NEWS Holiday ruling in focus Usdaw has welcomed the recent court rulings that say workers are entitled to holiday pay based on their ‘normal’ pay – including overtime and premium payments – and not just basic contractual pay. Usdaw has always believed workers should get their normal week’s pay when on holiday and should not face a financial disincentive when taking holidays. However, the ruling has thrown up a number of complex issues but Usdaw is determined to ensure that its members receive the correct level of holiday pay. The impact of the ruling on members will vary between companies. For example Usdaw already has agreements with some employers where holiday pay is based on average pay/P60 earnings. Where this is not the case, and in businesses where Usdaw is recognised, the union is in discussion with employers over holiday pay calculations. In companies where Usdaw is not formally recognised, the union can advise members on individual claims and make representations to employers to bring their holiday pay calculations in-line with the recent decisions as soon as possible. It is important to note the judgements only cover the first four weeks’ leave, which is in line with the provisions of the Working Time Directive set by the European Union. The decisions do not cover the additional 1.6 weeks granted through the UK regulations, or any additional contractual Plague of zero-hours Workers want Wage slump to continue more hours The increased use of zero- hours contracts and agency workers by employers is preventing young people from obtaining permanent jobs, according to new analysis by the TUC. The TUC says that 81 per cent of temporary agency workers aged 20-24, and 64 per cent of those aged 25- 29, say they are in temporary work because they cannot find a permanent job. Similarly, 50 per cent of zero-hours contract workers aged 20–24 and 58 per cent of those aged 25–29 say they are only doing temporary work because they cannot find a permanent job. Under-employment is still far above pre-recession levels according to new figures – a clear sign that the UK isn’t creating enough of the right kind of jobs, says the TUC. “There is a big shortfall in the supply of full-time employee jobs, and that’s making it harder for families to earn enough for a decent standard of living,” said TUC leader Frances O’Grady. “It makes no sense that so many people want more work, while others complain of being overworked and want fewer hours. The Government should strengthen flexible working rights, which could help solve both problems.” holiday entitlement. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) looked at whether claims for underpayment of holiday pay should be backdated. Unfortunately, the EAT decision has placed strict limits on the ability to make backdated claims. These restrictions mean that Wage growth since 2008 has been so slow that it would take 12 years to recover to pre- recession real earnings, says the TUC. “It’s good to see an increase in real wages after so many years of falling living standards, but it would take another 12 years for people’s pay to be worth what it was before the recession. And with the recovery looking as if it is already running out of steam, we cannot even be confident of that. “We are very concerned about the quality of many of the new jobs, with many people not earning enough to pay much tax, if any.” the majority of members will not have potential claims for substantial backpay. However, if a member believes they may have a potential claim for significant backpay they must register the claim and get advice from the union as quickly as possible. More information at: www.usdaw.org.uk/holidaypay Make sure you can vote! The general election will be held on May 7 this year. To be eligible to vote you must be on the electoral register (a government record of voters). If you have not voted before or this is your first time you can check your details and/or register by visiting: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote You can register online (have your national insurance number handy) or you can also download the form, fill it in and return it to your local council. Remember you must be on the electoral register to be eligible to vote. If you want to get more involved contact the politics office at central office email: [email protected] www.usdaw.org.uk/win Sponsored by Usdaw Prepaid Plus. Terms apply. Closing date 28 Feb 2015. Website www.usdawprepaid.com with NWK 0115 Win an iPod Nano! Network January/February 2015 05