Does my employer have to let me carry forward my unused annual leave into the next holiday year?

The minimum statutory entitlement must generally be taken during the leave year.

But there are some transitional arrangements while the minimum is being increased.

The existing 4 weeks entitlement must be taken during the leave year.

However, workers will be allowed to carry over just the increased leave entitlement (eg just the extra 0.4 of a week from 2007 and 0.8 of a week from 2009) into the next leave year, provided that there is a ''relevant agreement'' to that effect.

A ''relevant agreement'' must be a collective bargaining agreement in workplaces where there are unions. However, in non-union workplaces, it can be a formal agreement with representatives elected by the workforce. This carry-over provision will come to an end in April 2009.

If you are entitled to more than the statutory minimum paid holidays then you may be able to carry the extra days forward (often called banking your leave). This depends upon your contract of employment.

There is no statutory obligation on your employer to let you carry over leave which you have not taken within a holiday year, but many companies develop their own flexible provisions for this.

You should consult your company's staff handbook or your contract of employment for the policy at your workplace.