Pictured above: Tim Lang

With the Royal Wedding just over three weeks away, leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP warn local employers to prepare to deal with increased absenteeism from people extending their Easter holidays.

Tim Lang, Partner and Head of Employment Law at George Green LLP, comments "With Easter Monday falling on 25th April this year and the Royal Wedding happening on Friday 29th April, employees have the opportunity to book the three days off in between the two events and actually have 11 days continual holiday. Of course, many have already done this, but there are a great number who missed the boat and have had their holiday requests turned down" 

Mr Lang continued "These employees may decide to take the three days off anyway. Also there will be those who have over-indulged over Easter may also be tempted to extend their Bank Holiday by taking unauthorised leave, which could cause employers a real headache"

According to Mr Lang "We have already been contacted by a number of clients who are expecting there to be an increase in absence due to Easter and the Royal Wedding and we have been providing them with practical guidance on how they can ensure the needs of their business are not adversely affected. 

Employees should be reminded of the possibility of disciplinary action for unauthorised absence or breach of sickness reporting procedures. It might also be an effective deterrent to tell employees that they will be subject to return to work interviews in the event of absence.