UK EMPLOYEES could be taking more holidays from next October when a Government consultation increasing the statutory minimum annual leave comes into force.

Holiday entitlement is set to increase when a legal loophole that currently enables employers to include bank holidays in annual holiday entitlement is set to end.

Brendan Barber, general secretary at the TUC, said: ‘Increasing the minimum amount of holiday leave is another step down the road to a better work/life balance and that is good news for workers and for their bosses.

‘Everyone needs a decent time off work if they are to avoid feeling overworked and stressed.’

The working time rules were previously amended in 1999 when employees were given four weeks minimum annual entitlement. More than six million people benefited and figures showed there was no negative impact on the economy.

The TUC expects a similar economic outcome when about two million full-time employees will benefit from the new regulations.