Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

A four day weekend lies ahead to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubi- lee – or does it? NASDAL, the National Association for Spe- cialist Dental Accountants and Lawyers, is advising dental team members not to be too jubilant until they are sure that they really are entitled to the additional holiday. The Spring Bank Holiday has been moved to Monday 4th June and there is an addi- tional Bank Holiday on Tues- day 5th June to mark the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. But 5th June could be just another day in the prac- tice. In the same debate that surrounded last year’s Royal wedding, the tabloids have already stepped up the cam- paign for employers to grant their staff the day off to cele- brate, but in many cases, em- ployers are being advised that they are not obliged to do so. Amanda Maskery, a Law- yer and a member of NAS- DAL, has shed some light on the matter. It is a common misconception, she said, that employees are entitled to time off work for bank holi- days. Usually, employees are simply entitled to the statuto- ry minimum number of holi- days, currently 5.6 weeks (or 28 days) a year. She suggests that the start- ing point is to look at the contract of employment for guidance. Where the contract states that an employee is en- titled to public holidays in ad- dition to their annual leave, but neither the number nor the specific dates are referred to, they will be entitled to an additional day’s holiday. That said, if the employer has the contractual right to grant a day off in lieu of a bank holi- day, an employee may still be required to work on 5th June, and their extra day’s holiday can be postponed. Where the contract speci- fies a total number of days’ holiday that includes bank holidays, or where it states either the number or the spe- cific bank holidays that may be taken, then the employee will not be entitled to an ad- ditional day’s holiday. Amanda has warned that employers should also con- sider their custom and prac- tice when taking a decision on whether to grant an extra day off. She adds: “Employ- ers should be aware that their employees may have an im- plied right to the extra holi- day by virtue of the employer previously granting time off in similar circumstances. Given that the situation does not arise very often, the likelihood is small, but in the shadow of the Royal Wedding, there is clearly the potential for a cus- tom and practice argument.” Amanda suggests that employers would be wise to consider any potential staff- ing issues now and consult their employees’ contracts of employment, together with holiday policies, so their staff know whether or not they will have a four day weekend. DT • Amanda Maskery of Sin- tons LLP can be contacted on 0191 226 7838 or to find a member of NASDAL in your area, go to http://www.nasdal. org.uk/ The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee...do you know the drill? 9FeatureUnited Kingdom Edition April 23-29, 2012 Bio lms form readily on interdental surfaces and the Denti-Brush® Interproximal brushes are an extremely e ective way of removing plaque and stagnating food particles. Each Denti-Brush® has a exible handle and brush to increase control and access to heard to reach areas. Unlike other interdental brushes, the Denti-Brush® has been designed with a unique ‘Pivot Technology’, allowing it to bend easily to minimise potential breakage. The twist ex wire head is made of medium Tynex blisters, specially formulated coating, for a maximum gentle cleaning e ect. Periproducts’ Denti-Brushes® are ideal for maintaining exceptional oral health wherever you are, as each brush comes with its own hygienic protective cap. Colour coded for easy selection: PINK 0.4mm ORANGE 0.5mm BLUE 0.6mm YELLOW 0.7mm Goes anywhere, cleanseverywhere. To place an order or for further information, please contact us on 020 8868 1500 or visit our website www.periproducts.co.uk C M Y CM MY CY CMY K