4.4 Working conditions Government employees are paid at a rate on parity with the UK, and the private sector is broadly in line with the Gibraltar Government. There is a policy of equal pay for women and minimum wage protection for certain sectors. The statutory minimum wage has been increased from £6.25 per hour to £6.28 per hour from 1 August 2016. This is equivalent to £244.92 weekly (based on a 39-hour week) and £979.68 monthly. Also, in general, an employee cannot be required to work more than an average of 48 hours a week, unless otherwise has been agreed in writing with the employer. Employees working in certain sectors are excluded. Consultation is encouraged between employees and employers over working conditions, and there are provisions for involving statutory wage fixing in the event of a breakdown in negotiations. Employers are required to keep their premises in a reasonable and safe condition for their workers, as laid down in the Factories Regulations. There is also legislation governing the storage and use of explosives and petroleum products.
4.4.1 Holiday entitlement Statutory holiday entitlement is as follows: Period in employment
Minimum leave (days) p.a.*
Less than 3 years
15
From 3 to 5 years
20
From 5 to 8 years
22
More than 8 years
25
*Based on a 5 day working week
The holiday entitlement is generally in addition to the public holidays listed in Section 1.11.6. The main exception relates to employees whose terms of employment require them to work on public holidays (for example, employees of companies that provide emergency services). Such employees are allowed, in accordance with their terms of engagement, predetermined rest days and periods. Holiday entitlement cannot be replaced by a payment in lieu. An employer can determine the starting date(s) and duration of holiday leave. This information must, however, be notified to the employee (either directly or via a public notice) within a reasonable period of time.
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Doing business in Gibraltar