Fed:Workers don't want to be forced to holiday over Xmas-survey

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2004
Fed:Workers don't want to be forced to holiday over Xmas-survey

SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP - Many businesses may slow down over the holiday season, but workers
still don't like their bosses to tell them that that's the time to take leave, research
has found.

A survey of 1,100 Australian employees by recruitment agency Talent2 found 15 per cent
were forced to take their annual leave at certain times like Christmas.

With 41 per cent of companies closing down between Christmas and New Year, 48 per cent
of employees said they would be taking their annual leave during this period, the survey
found.

But Talent2's Mark Brayan said 35 per cent of employees wanted more freedom when it
came to choosing the time of their annual leave.

"Christmas is usually an extraordinarily busy time for families with shopping and family
time a huge priority," Mr Bryant said.

"However, many industry types like retail, hospitality, medical and services just can't
afford to have a skeletal workforce.

"Many people are reticent to take holidays because they fear replacement, projects
falling over or the overload on their return.

"Some people are giving up their holidays altogether and opting for extra money in
lieu of their break."

AAP smb/nf/drp/jlw

KEYWORD: XMAS LEAVE

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