Like most full-time workers, you are entitled to at least 28 days' paid holiday a year (5.6 weeks) including public holidays. This is a legal right.

Your contract of employment may give you the right to take more than the statutory amount of paid holiday, but it cannot give you less. To help you work out your exact entitlement, you can use the calculator on the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk

You don’t have an automatic right to take bank or public holidays off work, with or without pay., but your employment contract may give you bank or public holidays off on top of your statutory holiday. If this is the case, your contract should specify this and also say whether you will be paid for these days.

If your employer refuses to let you take holiday, or refuses to let you take holiday at a particular time, try to sort it out informally with them first. If this doesn't work, get advice as soon as possible from your trade union if you belong to one, or from an experienced CAB adviser.  You may be able to take your case to an employment tribunal, but there are pros and cons to think about if you are considering this course of action.

I have worked in a bar full time for over a year and have only been allowed to take five

days off so far.  When I asked my boss if I could take two weeks holiday later in the year

he refused, telling me I was only entitled to five days off a year.  I’m sure this can’t be

right, but I’m worried about losing my job if I kick up a fuss.  Is there anything I can do?