Extra leave for British workers

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Around 6m workers are to receive an extra eight days holiday under new government plans.

Employers will no longer be able to count the eight bank holidays as part of annual leave entitlement - currently a statutory minimum of 20 days.

Women, part-time and low-paid workers and ethnic minority communities stand to benefit the most, said the Department of Trade and industry.

Four leave days will be added from October and another four from 2008.

'Decent break'

Employment relations minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Most companies already recognise that good holiday provision makes good business sense.

"Holidays are also important for productivity as they help minimise sick leave and keep people motivated and refreshed.

"People work hard and they deserve a decent break."

Mr Fitzpatrick said the government had worked closely with business and wanted to make sure they had time to prepare for the changes.

Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said the announcement was one of the fruits of the so-called Warwick Agreement reached between trade unions and the government before the last election.

"This demonstrates that the affiliation of trade unions to the Labour Party is not entirely a one-way street," he said.