BRADES, Montserrat (December 15, 2010) – The Department of Labour is providing the following information for employers and employees in respect to the level obligations for Public Holidays.

In accordance with Employment Ordinance 2002 (Revised) after not less than thirteen weeks of continuous service an employee shall be paid at his full normal rate of wages for a public holiday as listed in the schedule to the Public Holidays Act.

However the employee shall not be entitled to such payment unless he works the remaining days required by his contract of employment in the pay period in which those public holidays fall.

In addition, where an employee is require by his employer to work on a public holiday he shall either receive payment for that day at not less than double the normal rate of wages or, if the employee so wishes receive a full day’s holiday on a date to be mutually agreed between employer and employee.

Please take note of the public holidays for December 2010 and January 2011.

• Saturday December 25th
• Sunday   December 26th
• Monday  December 27th
• Tuesday  December 28th
• Friday     December 31st
• Saturday  January 1st
• Monday   January 3rd   

Further clarification can be obtained at the Department of Labour in Brades.

Labour Commissioner Denise Phillip says “the Department of Labour is soliciting the cooperation of all concerned and wishes to extend a joyous and blessed Christmas and a productive 2011 to employers and employees.”