R U OK 4 Y2K?

The Bug may not be the only issue that employers need to consider in preparation for the forthcoming Millennium celebrations. Certainly possible concerns over staff shortages, unauthorised absence and conduct issues should put employers on notice to ensure policies and procedures to deal with these issues are in place, up to date and effectively communicated to employees well in advance.

Following the announcement that 31 December 1999 will be a Bank holiday, it is a good time for employers to identify the terms and conditions which actually apply to the taking of leave. Contrary to the popular assumption, there is no automatic statutory right to either Bank or public holidays. The terms of the employee’s contract will govern the entitlement to holiday. Contractual terms may be expressly stated in the contract or staff handbook or implied into the contract on the basis of custom and practice adopted in a particular industry, or by identifying how the contract has been operated in