Are you getting paid on February 29th?
Danielle McQueen, 22 February 2008
As you are probably already aware, 2008 is a leap year and this Friday 29th February is the day where most companies and organisations all get an extra day’s labour free out of salaried staff. So should we all get an extra day off this year? The fact is if you get paid annually you are technically working an extra day this year for the same salary as last year.
However, this Feb 29th, companies are being encouraged to give their staff the day off to help to tackle climate change. The National Trust have announced that all 4,800 staff and 49,000 volunteers will be told to take the day off to help to reduce their own carbon footprint, with other companies expected to join in this Green Leap Day initiative. Employees will be encouraged to use the day to change their lighting for energy efficient bulbs, create a compost heap, arrange recycling facilities or to visit a school or youth club to explain the impact of climate change.
As reported on Times Online, Brendan Barber, General Secretary the TUC, said: “Giving employees an extra day off work while encouraging them to think about what they can do to go greener sounds like a great idea. More employers should be thinking about how to give their staff a better work-life balance. It is time for the Government to take a leaf out of the National Trust book and create new community day bank holiday.”
But Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The vast majority of small employers would not be able to cope with giving their staff the day off. There needs to be a reality check about what is possible in a small business.”
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