Unions win workers extra eight days off

Millions of workers are to get an extra eight days holiday a year under a deal struck with Labour and trade unions.

The extra time off was agreed at a meeting to decide the contents of Labour's next election manifesto.

The deal could also allow workers time off for training and education.

Under the agreement firms will no longer be able to include Bank Holidays as part of employees' statutory four weeks annual holiday as many businesses do now.

The trade unions estimate the measure, if it becomes law, will benefit about two million workers.

The deal was heralded as a "significant shift" in Labour policy by union leaders. Labour officials hope the package will persuade the unions to bankroll the election campaign.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said the package contained nothing business should be scared of.

But the Confederation of British Industry's deputy director general, John Cridland, said: "We are concerned about one or two concessions. The proposal will particularly affect small businesses."