Workers still 'unsure on royal wedding leave'

One in four office workers have still not been told if they will be given the day off for the royal wedding even though the Government has said it will be a bank holiday, according to a new report.

A survey of 1,000 employees showed that many believed the uncertainty, coupled with a lack of proper communication from their bosses, could cause anger.

The problem was worst in London, where the wedding will be held on April 29, with almost a third of workers still in the dark.

Recruitment firm Badenoch & Clark said its research showed there was widespread confusion across the country over what will happen to workers.

Lynne Hardman, of Badenoch & Clark, said: "Employers have a duty to communicate clearly and effectively to their workers. This includes decisions on holiday allowance. If not correctly managed, employers may find workers react badly to what appears to be a last-minute decision - leading to low morale amongst employees.

"Managers must be seen to give clear direction on bank holiday allowances. However, workers must be aware that employers are not statutorily obliged to give their employees public or bank holidays as additional leave, and that the announcement of an extra bank holiday does not increase any entitlement to holiday under the Working Time Regulations.

"To alleviate the bad news of having staff work on the bank holiday, employers could consider allowing flexi-working around the key parts of the day, or permitting staff to watch the ceremony at work. Nonetheless, if managed correctly, allowing workers to take full advantage of the bank holiday could be a great way to strengthen workplace morale on a day of national celebration."