Where do I stand with my Annual Leave?

[BarryTorso]

I started working for RM in Mid September. Having had to ask/find out more or less everything for myself since starting (can see how so many leave!), naturally, my leave allowance wasnt even brought up. So once Christmas was out the way, I mentioned to our manager I had 80+ hours to take of this year's allowance according to the People App. I was told to ask the other manager when he was back the week after. I did this and he then wasn't sure. Few weeks later, I asked again, still nobody sure what was happening. Same story every week or so being fobbed off. So now I have 2.5 weeks holiday and only 5 or so weeks until end of March. I am going to bring it up with Union rep for our place, as I feel they are taking the mick. I've done everything asked of me since I started, any overtime, not had 2 days off in a row other than Christmas. It almost feels as though they are abusing my willingness to work now as every man and his dog has either had a holiday or been off on the sick since I started. Does anyone else find themselves in a similar position and know where we stand with on the issue? I know they can apparently carry a week or so over? But just want a break now as its going on 7 months including notice period for my old job.

[HTPostman]

I was in a very similar position to you when I started, kept asking to book my annual leave, kept being fobbed off. Manager A said Manager B did it, Manager B said Manager C books leave and so on. Manager A then remembered yes he is the person who books leave but he’s busy and ask him again tomorrow and he’ll definitely sort it. Every day I asked and this went on for 2 weeks.

I then changed my approach: I went direct to the union, said they were messing around not booking my leave which was causing me stress and affecting my mental health and that I was going to see my GP about the stress.

Within 24 hours my annual leave was confirmed. We shouldn’t have to take that approach but ultimately RM play these silly games so just play along.

In short, go straight to your union rep. If need be, go to the area rep. BTW from what I remember you only carry leave over if both parties agree - I know I personally don’t agree to carry leave over so I always get them to book in my extra time off before the end of the holiday year.

[rogersh]

The first line of the Policy;
"Taking a holiday important for your wellbeing. We have a good holiday allowance which gives you more opportunity to take a break from work. Managers will do their best to balance your holiday requests with the needs of the business."

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/mrm/Tim ... ummary.pdf

[BarryTorso]

Thanks for the replies. Making contact with Union rep at the earliest opportunity.

[postman2014]

Have you actually put a holiday request in? If not ask for a holiday form or write it on a piece of paper . You will know within a day or two. Simple as that.

[Carefree]

This is exactly my predicament atm. Started in August last year and have had no leave since and been told there is no dates available to take before April. I have leave near the beginning of April which is a relief but I don't want to carry 80 hours over to next year because no doubt I won't get any dates for that also. I have difficult mental health issues and I've discussed this with managers but they seem to just gloss over it (so much for feeling first class).

Like someone said earlier "Taking a holiday important for your wellbeing. We have a good holiday allowance which gives you more opportunity to take a break from work. Managers will do their best to balance your holiday requests with the needs of the business."

[clashcityrocker]

but I don't want to carry 80 hours over to next year

You can only carry over 5 days (or the equivalent in hours)
Where is your rep?
If you don't get any joy try justsayit@royalmail.com

[yellowbelly]

This is exactly my predicament atm. Started in August last year and have had no leave since and been told there is no dates available to take before April. I have leave near the beginning of April which is a relief but I don't want to carry 80 hours over to next year because no doubt I won't get any dates for that also. I have difficult mental health issues and I've discussed this with managers but they seem to just gloss over it (so much for feeling first class).

Like someone said earlier "Taking a holiday important for your wellbeing. We have a good holiday allowance which gives you more opportunity to take a break from work. Managers will do their best to balance your holiday requests with the needs of the business."

As the leave plan will have been done for 22/23 I'd suggest getting a look at it and provisonally book those 80hrs wherever you can.
Even if you don't get them where you want them you've got time off booked that way and later on in the year people may want to swap or cancellation
gaps might appear.