Minimum holiday entitlement 'to increase'

The UK's minimum holiday entitlement is to increase on October 1st, it has emerged.

According to an announcement by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, from October 1st, the minimum entitlement for holiday leave from work will increase from 20 to 24 days.

Additionally, there will be a number of increases to the minimum wage.

"These changes will improve the lives of millions of British workers - giving them more time with their families and within their communities, and ensuring that our lowest paid workers continue to be able to earn a living wage," said Pat McFadden, minister of state for employment relations.

A further annual leave entitlement increase has been planned for April 1st 2009, which will see it increased from 24 days to 29.

Minimum holiday standards vary between countries, even within the European Union; for example, Austria requires employees to be permitted five weeks of leave every year.