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Bank holiday annual leave requests: is it first come, first served? – Ali Campbell for People Management

Posted on 28 August 2026

Reading time 1 minute

Ali Campbell, Associate at Mishcon de Reya, has commented for People Management on whether employers should deal with competing bank holiday annual leave requests on a first come, first served basis. The article discusses how clear policies can help employers manage overlapping requests, maintain adequate staffing levels and avoid disputes.

Ali said employers should “manage expectations and explain how competing requests will be dealt with to avoid issues”.

She also warned employers not to assume dishonesty where an employee calls in sick after a holiday request has been refused. Instead, employers should follow their usual sickness absence procedure and consider the circumstances before deciding whether any investigation or disciplinary action is appropriate.

Read the article in full.

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