Annual leave question

[Carlito]

Hi there
I started as a postman in feb 2011 on a 30hr temp contract I kept getting it re-newed every 3 months and in nov 2011 I was made permanent, I understand I am entitled to 22.5 days annual leave and I still have 9.5 days owing to me which I have to take but there is not enough days available till the new holiday year starts, i know you can carry over 5 days but what happens to the other 4.5 days im owed? there is quite a few in our office that are in the same boat so what do we do??
Any help would be much appreciated
Thanks

[DHARMA16]

It will be carried over with your other leave

[wiganpostie]

Yeah it'll be carried over..but you won't live long enough to see it, unless you keep an eye out for Benny Blanco from the Bronx. And don't trust monkey face either, he'll betray you just as you are about to step on the train.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

It will be carried over with your other leave

Not automatically - according to the WF agreement http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... rd#p348231" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Carrying leave into another year

Annual leave should generally be taken in the year that it is due, and the business expects all employees to have at least four weeks away from work every year. However up to one week (or 5 odd days) may be carried over into the next leave year, and up to five days may be anticipated during the last month of the previous leave year. Transfer of leave in excess of these limits requires written permission from the line manager, except that leave that cannot be taken due to sick leave may be allowed in the following year. Where this is granted and would reduce the annual leave taken in a particular leave year to less than four weeks, the individual must also confirm in writing that they are willing to voluntarily forgo their statutory leave entitlement under the Working Time Regulations 1998.

To the OP I would write a letter in plain English to your manager making sure you keep a copy. If he confirms it, ask as per agreement for it in writing. If he refuses the application then politely request an explanation also in writing.