Statutory holidays advice

Businesses in the car industry need to comply with regulations in the Holidays Act over the festive period.

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has reminded its members that staff employed on statutory days are required to pay them time-and-a-half and give them a day off in lieu.

While trading isn’t permitted on Christmas Day, car yards can open on Boxing Day. December 27 and 28 are also statutory holidays, as are January 3 and 4.

The team at VIA will be closing up shop from noon on December 23 until January 5.

“We wish all members the compliments of the season,” says technical manager Malcolm Yorston.

“We recognise 2020 and 2021 have been extremely challenging. It’s our fervent hope that 2022 will be better even though there will be challenges with Covid ongoing, the clean car feebate scheme taking effect on April 1 and the clean car standard.”