A WARNING has gone out to Worcestershire businesses to be extra vigilant when asking employees to work extra hours.

With the first of a double dose of May bank holidays fast approaching, Risk Managers Smithson Mason Group (SMG) is advising businesses to set out their policies towards time off.

British law does not give workers an automatic right to time off on bank holidays, but because they are so widely recognised, even when terms are not written down, they may still stand if bank holiday breaks have become part of an organisation's custom.

"With more and more businesses opening on bank holidays, particularly in the retail sector, there is increasing pressure on staff to work, regardless of 'holiday status'," said Martin Hill, SMG managing director.

"It has become increasingly important for employers to clarify expectations of their workers. Bank holidays raise a multitude of questions, such as, do workers receive additional pay or not or do they receive a day off in lieu?

"These are areas which need to be resolved to avoid any conflict."

He added that in a similar vein, employers needed to make their position clear regarding weekend work.

To avoid any conflict, SMG is advising businesses to make staff aware as early as possible, preferably at interview stage, that they could be required to work on bank holidays or weekends.

The company is also advising employers to make the level of pay for a bank holiday clear and make sure staff know how bank holiday staffing is decided.

Finally, SMG advises employers to be cautious with part-time workers and where possible, make sure the load is distributed evenly between staff.